The Rise and Fall of Franco’s Dictatorship in Spain
The Spanish Civil War and the Rise of Franco
The Popular Front and the Military Uprising
In February 1936, during the Second Spanish Republic, the left-wing Popular Front came to power, forming a government. High-ranking army officers, fearful of liberal reforms, organized a coup. On July 17, 1936, the military uprising began in Morocco, backed by landowners, the bourgeoisie, and some Catholic middle and lower classes. The coup failed to fully control the state, leading to the Spanish Civil War.
Causes of the Conflict
The war’s primary causes were class struggle, ideological antagonism, and religious conflict.
Foreign Intervention and the Non-Intervention Committee
Both sides sought foreign support. An international Non-Intervention Committee was formed, but Germany and Italy did not join. The Republican side sought help from France and England, who remained neutral. Subsequently, the Republicans received aid from the USSR.
Franco’s Consolidation of Power
Initially, the rebels lacked a clear political project. Power was centralized, and Francisco Franco was elected head of state. In early 1937, Franco refused to restore the throne to Alfonso XIII.
Franco’s Dictatorship
Authoritarianism and Repression
By 1939, Franco became Spain’s absolute ruler. His regime rejected Marxism, anarchism, liberalism, and democracy. He banned all political parties except the Spanish Falange and the Traditionalist JONS. Franco declared himself Spain’s leader and abolished the 1931 constitution. He suppressed rights, including the right to strike, and abolished autonomy statutes for Basque, Galician, and Catalan regions. Media censorship became widespread.
The Church and the State
The Catholic Church supported Franco’s dictatorship. There was no real separation of powers. Franco held executive power, and the legislature was controlled by his loyalists. The state maintained rigid political and ideological control.
Post-War Economy and International Isolation
Economic Hardship
Post-war Spain faced economic hardship. Franco imposed mandatory employer-worker cooperation, banned strikes and lockouts, and established compulsory union membership. World War II and several years of drought worsened poverty, leading to rationing.
International Recognition and Economic Recovery
International recognition of the Franco regime culminated in the 1953 Hispanic-American agreements. In exchange for economic and military assistance, the US established bases in Spain. Production eventually reached pre-war levels, rationing ended, and industrial development began.
Economic Growth and Social Tensions
Foreign investment in the 1960s boosted industry and exports. Open borders with Europe facilitated emigration and tourism. However, intellectuals demanded social and political modernization. Franco’s regime responded with states of emergency, suspending rights, closing universities, and imprisoning opponents. Juan Carlos de Borbón was appointed Franco’s successor.
The End of the Franco Era
Transition and Death
In 1973, Franco appointed Admiral Carrero Blanco as Prime Minister, but he was assassinated. Franco then appointed Arias Navarro. In 1974, Franco fell ill and temporarily transferred power to Juan Carlos de Borbón. The regime lost political initiative to the PCE and other groups advocating for democratization. In 1975, Juan Carlos de Borbón assumed leadership. Franco died in November 1975, ending his dictatorship.