Spain’s Exclusion from the UN After World War II: Reasons & Impact
This document analyzes a political text written by the UN General Assembly on December 12, 1946. The United Nations was formed after World War II to improve living conditions between countries and foster peace among all citizens.
Denial of Entry: Spain’s Initial Exclusion
The text primarily addresses the denial of Spain’s entry into the UN due to several factors.
Franco’s Fascist Regime
Firstly, Spain was under a fascist regime led by Franco, who received support from Hitler and Mussolini. This regime was a military dictatorship that opposed the popular front and communism, relying on the army, the Church, and the Falange as its pillars.
Support for Axis Powers
Secondly, during the UN’s struggle against Hitler and Mussolini, Franco provided aid to the enemy powers, offering them hope during the war. Although Spain initially declared neutrality after its civil war, Franco reconsidered his position to non-belligerency when Britain appeared vulnerable.
Spain’s Autarkic Policy
The United Nations General Assembly also highlights Spain’s autarkic policy during the war. This isolationist approach aimed for economic self-sufficiency, characterized by central planning, the creation of public enterprises, prioritizing agriculture, promoting industry, and restricting the foreign sector.
Consequences of Autarky
This autarky led to:
- Backwardness in Spanish agriculture
- Poor industrial development
- The rise of the bourgeoisie
- Increased inflation and prices
- A decline in national income
UN’s Stance on Franco’s Government
The General Assembly believed that Franco’s government did not represent the Spanish people. Therefore, it recommended establishing a government in Spain that respected citizens’ rights and decisions, including freedom of speech, religion, and free elections where the Spanish people could express their will without intimidation.
The UN also recommended that all member states withdraw their ambassadors and ministers from Madrid.
Conclusion: Spain’s Path to UN Membership
The Hondaya meeting between Franco and Hitler, where Franco pledged to enter the war without specifying a date, is noteworthy. Spain’s situation during the Cold War and a setback in June 1945 led to a veto of Spain’s accession to the UN.
Eventually, the UN lifted the ban on Spain, and the country began receiving assistance from the Marshall Plan. Spain was finally admitted to the UN, leading to economic liberation, quadrupled imports, diversified exports, a positive balance of payments due to increased tourism revenue, reduced unemployment through immigration, and foreign capital investment.