Fascism: Ideological Roots and the Franco Regime
Fascism: Ideological Foundations
**Political Principles**
Fascism is characterized by the absolute supremacy of the state over the individual, in contrast to democratic systems where individual freedom prevails. It features a dictatorial regime and exaggerated nationalism, often leading to expansionist policies and the exaltation of the nation.
**Social Principles**
Fascist ideology posits that a social minority, the elite, should govern the masses, based on the belief that not all people are equal. It advocates for gender inequality, relegating women primarily to roles such as childcare, housework, and childbearing to enlarge the nation.
**Economic Principles**
Fascist policymakers seek self-sufficiency to reduce dependence on foreign products and encourage domestic production. They often develop imperialist policies to secure new markets, cheaper raw materials, and energy sources for domestic industry. Additionally, they undertake large public works projects (highways, roads, reservoirs, bridges, etc.) to reduce unemployment and serve as propaganda for the regime.
Fascist Behavior Today
Certain groups today exhibit tendencies towards right-wing politics, and some, particularly with shifts from one government to another, express disagreement with the current regime. This can lead to a totalitarian mentality that is resistant to change. These convictions may manifest in racist and homophobic actions.
The Franco Regime
The Franco Regime: A Fascist Movement
The Franco regime was a fascist movement with ideological roots similar to Italian Fascism. It rejected all institutions of the liberal system, including the constitution and popular sovereignty. Political parties were suppressed, with only the dictator’s party permitted. The regime was fiercely anti-communist, promoted conservative Catholicism, and enforced strict censorship and absorption. As in any fascist system, there was police repression against anyone who opposed the regime, and education was tightly controlled.
Bases of the Franco Regime
The Franco dictatorship was established and organized around several key aspects:
**A Personal Dictatorship**
During the Civil War, General Francisco Franco assumed maximum authority over the winning side. His dictatorship was modeled after the fascist regimes of Germany and Italy.
**The Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom**
This was the name given to a set of constitutive laws enacted by the dictatorship over the years. These laws established a “traditional and illiberal regime” characterized by the exaltation of Catholicism, anti-communism, militarism, and a strongly centralized nationalism. Basque and Catalan autonomy were suppressed, and the use of regional languages was banned.
**Censorship and Lack of Freedom**
Critics were silenced through censorship, external information was controlled, and the formation of political parties or trade unions was prevented. The repression carried out during and after the war formed the foundation of the dictatorship, with executions, imprisonment, exile, and discrimination persisting for years.
Support for the Franco Regime
Franco’s regime relied on support from various domestic and foreign sources:
**The Church**
The Church largely supported the rebellion and enjoyed a privileged relationship with the state.
**Falangists**
Their leader, José Antonio Primo de Rivera, was executed in a Republican prison during the early days of the war. The Falange served as the single-party of the regime, merging with other pro-coup parties. The Falange’s union was the only legal one.
**The Army**
The army, after the purging of soldiers loyal to the Republic (who were often executed), provided crucial support.
**Foreign Powers**
- Germany and Italy: Initially, Franco received support from these countries, which aided his rise to power. However, the defeat of Hitler and Mussolini in World War II ended this international support.
- United States and Western Powers: During the Cold War, the Western powers viewed Franco’s regime as an ally against the USSR.
Education Under Franco
Fascism emphasized education as a means to control thought and behavior from childhood, preventing young people from developing independent critical thinking, opinions, and political leanings, as would occur in a liberal system. All educational subjects were directed by the government, subjected to censorship, and there was total control over both teachers and the curriculum. Historical study was manipulated, with only the aspects that served the regime’s goals being presented, while actual events were canceled or altered. The aim of education was to mold young people into good fascists capable of leading the nation and maintaining the regime.
Women Under Franco
Postwar women experienced a decline in the economic independence and sexual freedoms they had achieved during the Republic. Divorce and civil marriage were prohibited. Women were subjected to male authority, living isolated from society under the control of men.