Franco Regime: Consolidation, Economy, and Society (1950s-1970s)
Franco Regime: Consolidation, Economy, and Society
Political Consolidation of the Regime
The confrontation between different political families became untenable as Falange sought to secure its role in the proposed system and gain the Leader’s approval for laws solidifying its ideas. The Church hierarchy and the monarchists showed their opposition, and in February 1957, Franco again served as a referee in the divided government, replacing most of his ministers. In the new government, the technocratic sector, linked to Opus Dei, was strengthened, leading to the final marginalization of the Falange.
After the defeat of the Falange’s draft proposals, the institutionalization of the system was led by Laureano López Rodó (an Opus Dei numerary and right-hand man to Carrero Blanco). He introduced a draft Law on the Legal System of the State Administration which omitted any reference to the Movement. The Movement Act, passed in 1958, bore little resemblance to the initial projects. The Opus Dei technocrats reinforced their positions through Franco’s government changes made in 1962, 1965, and 1969.
The sixties represent the marginalization of the traditional families of the regime and the attempt to institutionalize the system with measures to adapt to new social realities. In 1966, the Organic Law of the State was approved, encoding the six fundamental laws. With it, the system was endowed with a kind of constitution. The Press Law by Manuel Fraga, the Religious Freedom Act, the Family Representation Act, and the General Law of Education completed the final reforms of the sixties.
These reforms were a missed opportunity for liberalization. Therefore, the late sixties were characterized by labor and student unrest. With the institutionalization completed, Carrero Blanco and López Rodó pressured Franco to appoint a successor. On July 22, 1969, the Cortes approved Juan Carlos as successor with the title of King. Tensions between the Falange and technocrats broke out in the wake of the 1969 Matesa case. After the scandal, Franco appointed a new government with a predominance of technocrats.
International Relations
The consolidation of the regime at the international level featured Fernando Castiella, Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1957 to 1969. In 1969, Gregorio López Bravo replaced him, serving from 1969 to 1973. The objectives were closer ties with the European community, maintaining a close relationship with the United States, and the recovery of Gibraltar (which was not achieved). The members of the EEC did not initiate discussions regarding Spain’s incorporation until 1967. However, the main source of tension was clashes with Morocco. In 1961, Spain withdrew its last contingent due to Moroccan protectorate claims and withdrew from other possessions.
Economic Transformation
Changes also reached the economic level. Although the economy had been booming in the 1950s, it still suffered from internal and external imbalances. International organizations consulted by the Spanish government agreed that only liberalization and the removal of administrative barriers could save Spain from suspending essential imports. When Mariano Navarro Rubio and Alberto Ullastres joined the government in 1957, Spain was bankrupt.
Navarro Rubio presented the Plan of Internal and External Stabilization of the Economy, including measures to:
- Fight inflation
- Promote savings
- Liberalize foreign and domestic investment
- Reduce administrative interventionism
Development objectives were pursued with the help of three Development Plans from 1964-1975, focused on industrial investment and agricultural development in lagging areas. Extraordinary industrial growth occurred. Productivity doubled, and exports increased tenfold. The annual growth rates were the highest in Europe.
Social and Cultural Changes
The industrialization of the sixties and seventies led to a social and cultural transformation in Spain. The urbanization process was regionally unbalanced.
Income levels improved, and mass consumption was introduced. However, while the standard of living improved, income distribution worsened. Demographically, emigration was a significant factor, particularly between 1940 and 1970. Another significant factor was emigration abroad, particularly to Germany, France, and Switzerland.
A major consequence of the modernization of Spain was the gradual abandonment of traditional Catholic customs. Economic changes, the cultural impact of tourism, and shifts within the Church prompted new habits in Spanish society.