The Franco Regime: Foundations, Support, and International Relations
The Creation of the Franco Regime
Ideological Foundations and Social Supports
The Franco regime was a right-wing authoritarian political regime that, despite the defeat of fascism in Europe in World War II, remained in power in Spain for almost 40 years. It began after Franco’s victory in the Spanish Civil War (April 1939) and ended with the dictator’s death (November 1975).
Throughout its duration, the regime was characterized as a dictatorship where Franco held absolute power. His leadership was
Read MoreFranco Dictatorship in Spain (1939-1975): History, Politics, and Society
Franco’s Regime in Spain (1939-1975)
Franco’s System: Features and Foundations
Franco’s Political System
Francisco Franco’s regime, established after the Spanish Civil War in April 1939, was a dictatorship marked by concentrated power and suppressed freedoms. Key characteristics include:
- Absence of a formal constitution, replaced by a series of Fundamental Laws.
- A single, state-controlled labor union: the Trade Union Organization.
- A single political party: the Falange and the National Movement.
- Franco’
The Second Spanish Republic: From Dictatorship to Democracy
The Decline of the Restoration Regime (1917-1923)
Political and Social Instability
Following World War I, Spain faced a period of escalating political and social unrest. The Restoration regime, plagued by instability, struggled to address issues such as the rise of organized labor, union struggles, and colonial failures in Morocco.
Desperate attempts by dynastic parties to maintain power resulted in short-lived, ineffective governments. Despite resorting to electoral fraud, no single party could secure
Read MoreRussian Revolution: From Tsarist Russia to the USSR
The Russian Revolution and the USSR
Czarist Russia in the Early 20th Century
Political Immobility and Modernization Challenges
In 1900, Russia was a vast empire, stretching from the Baltic to the Pacific, with 140 million people under authoritarian rule. Its economy and society were among the most backward in Europe. Political power rested with the Tsar, supported by the nobility, the senior administration, the army, the Okhrana (secret police), and the Orthodox Church.
Under Tsar Alexander II, reforms
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: Causes, Key Events, and Aftermath
The Spanish Civil War
The Evolution of Republican Spain
The military uprising was justified on the grounds that the Republic, governed by the Popular Front, was preparing a communist revolution. This revolution was purported to eliminate private property, religion, and the democratic state to impose a Soviet-style dictatorship. These claims were unfounded. In the spring of 1936, there was no revolution in progress, although there was significant disorder (strikes, bombings, land occupation, and political
Read MoreInternational and National Heritage Protection: A Guide
International and Protection of Historical Heritage
1. International Organizations
1.1 The League of Nations, UN, and UNESCO
The United Nations (UN) and UNESCO were created after World War II by the Letter of San Francisco on June 26, 1945. This laid the foundations of international policies on cultural heritage (final legal basis: Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948). The UN headquarters is in New York.
UN Objectives:
- To maintain international peace and security
- To promote friendly relations