Francoism: Characteristics, Supporters, and Evolution

Posted on Feb 14, 2025 in History

Franco’s Dictatorship in Spain (1939-1975)

From 1939 to 1975, Spain was under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. He held the three powers of the state and command of the army until his death. He delegated the head of government position, first to Carrero Blanco and, after Blanco’s death, to Arias Navarro.

There are two main theories regarding Franco’s regime:

  • The first denies its fascist character, arguing that it was strictly military and relied on traditionalism.
  • The second argues that it was fascist, as fascism was a reaction of the dominant European classes against the rise of labor movements and communist/socialist parties.

Characteristics of Francoism

  • Leading Figure: Concentration of all powers in a single person and all subordinate institutions, resulting in the title “Leader of Spain by the grace of God.”
  • Anti-Communism: “Red” included the extreme left and the democratic bourgeoisie.
  • Catholicism: The Church’s dominion was overwhelming, from education to Catholic moral control, which was enforced by the criminal code.
  • Traditionalism: A focus on past glory and the idea of invincible warriors, which adversely affected the regime.
  • Symbols: The regime was considered anti-Spanish.
  • Military: Military symbols occupied a major role.

Supporting the Regime

The dictatorship returned financial, social, and economic hegemony to the oligarchy. They benefited, along with elements of the Army, and were also supported by rural middle classes, as well as urban groups who benefited. Conversely, it was not supported by laborers and workers, or by classes committed to the Republic, who suffered humiliation. In the 1950s, increased well-being prompted farmers and working classes to settle down and accept the regime.

Families of the Regime

These were the collaborators of the regime, and there were four main groups:

  • Falange: Made snap decisions under Franco.
  • Army: The military held political positions, though their collaboration in the military was curtailed.
  • Catholics: Initially, Opus Dei and, later, the participation of bishops in the Francoist courts. Only after the Second Vatican Council did the Church distance itself from the dictatorship.
  • Monarchy: Initially, Carlists (with the Ministry of Justice) and, later, those supporting John of Bourbon. In any case, Franco chose individuals based on their personal loyalty or lack of ambition.

Political Developments

There were seven successive organic laws:

  • The Jurisdiction of Labor (1938): Established vertical and corporatist unionism.
  • Constitutive Act of the Courts (1942): Created a chamber that approved the drafts of the dictator’s laws.
  • Jurisdiction of the Spanish (1945): A theoretical declaration of rights and duties, which could be suspended.
  • National Referendum Act (1945)
  • Law of Succession (1946): Authorized Franco to propose his successor; in 1962, he appointed Juan Carlos I.
  • Law of the Principles of the National Movement (1958): Reaffirmed the principles of July 18th.
  • Organic Law of the State (1966): Ensured the continuity of Francoism after his death.

Franco signed an association agreement with full powers. Up to 1942, he leaned towards the fascist tendency of the Falange. He held the Hendaye interview with Hitler, which failed, and Spain continued its policy of non-belligerence. With Germany’s attack on the Soviet Union, Spain sent the Blue Division to support the Nazis. Spain took a more distant position after Germany’s defeat, and Spanish diplomacy moved closer to the Allies.

International Isolation (1945)

In 1945, after the defeat of the Axis powers, although ministers were replaced by more moderate figures, the Franco regime was condemned in the international arena. Isolation began after a rejection of Spain’s entry into the UN (1946). Two countries allowed the regime to survive: Peronist Argentina (providing food) and the USA (exporting oil).

End of Isolation

The end of isolation began after the UN authorized Spain’s entry into organizations like the FAO. More important was the economic agreement with the U.S. military for the use of joint bases. The Concordat with the Holy See was signed in 1953.

The biggest news was Spain’s inclusion in the UN (1955), but it wasn’t until 1986 that Spain joined the European Union.