Francoist Spain (1939-1959): Ideology, Politics, and Evolution
Francoist Spain (1939-1959)
Ideological Foundations
The regime that emerged victorious in 1939 had distinct ideological underpinnings:
- Concentration of Power: All powers were vested in the executive branch.
- Anti-Communism: Sharing ideological alignment with Germany and Italy.
- Illiberal and Unparliamentary System: Rejection of democratic principles.
- National Catholicism: Fusion of religion and politics.
- Unity of Spain: Opposition to autonomies and promotion of Castilian Spanish.
- Traditionalism: Embracing historical Spanish values.
- Militarism: Dominance of the military in society.
- Fascist Elements: Adoption of uniforms, salutes, and similar practices.
Social Foundations
The regime drew support from two primary groups: the financial oligarchy (due to economic gains) and the rural middle class of northern Spain and Castile (due to their Catholic beliefs). The urban middle class and working class largely endured the dictatorship, especially during the early years marked by severe repression, which prevented any significant opposition.
Political Foundations
The political system was characterized by the prohibition of all political parties except the Falange, modeled after German and Italian fascist systems. Repression was a key tool of control. Several groups influenced the regime’s decisions:
- Falangists: Integrated into a single party under Franco’s leadership, controlling social and economic life through institutions like the Youth Front, Women’s Section, and trade union organizations.
- Military: Enjoyed high social prestige and were subordinate to the executive branch.
- Catholic Church: Many leaders had ties to the Church, particularly Opus Dei. After the Second Vatican Council, a separation occurred, with the Church favoring a Bourbon restoration.
- Carlists: Lost political relevance after the war and assumed a supporting role.
- Monarchists: Despite Franco’s refusal to restore the monarchy under Don Juan de Borbón, many collaborated with the regime, especially in the early years.
Politics of the Regime (1939-1959)
From 1937, Franco consolidated power and enacted laws shaping the political system:
- Labor Charter: Outlawed free trade unions and established a fascist model controlled by the Falange.
- Cortes Law: Created a corporatist parliament with indirectly elected members.
- Fuero of the Spaniards (1945): A declaration of rights and duties with a traditional Catholic foundation.
- Referendum Law: Granted Franco the power to call referendums on laws.
- Law of Succession (1946): Defined Spain as a kingdom but reserved Franco’s right to appoint a successor, disappointing monarchists hoping for a Bourbon restoration.
The 1940s and 50s were known as the “Years of Hunger” due to food rationing and the black market, leading to widespread corruption. Repression was rampant, with political prisoners held in concentration camps. Opposition was minimal in the early years due to fear.
Foreign Policy
During World War II, Spain maintained an alliance with the Axis powers. In 1940, Franco met with Hitler but declined to fully enter the war unless Spain gained control of Morocco and Algeria. Spain’s support was limited to sending the Blue Division to fight alongside Germany.
After the Axis defeat, Spain sought to improve its image and distance itself from fascism. However, it faced international isolation, being denied entry into the UN and excluded from the Marshall Plan. The onset of the Cold War and U.S. support eventually led to Spain’s reintegration into the international community. In 1953, Spain signed a concordat with the Holy See, gaining acceptance from the Church.
Opposition to the regime began to emerge, including worker protests and student clashes. However, it remained weak. The appointment of Opus Dei members signaled upcoming economic reforms.
Economic and Social Evolution
Post-war Spain was devastated. The regime adopted an autarkic economic model similar to Germany and Italy, with heavy state intervention. The National Institute of Industry (INI) controlled key sectors. The early years were marked by economic stagnation, food shortages, and corruption.
In the 1950s, economic liberalization led to growth and improved living standards. U.S. aid and the Marshall Plan facilitated industrial development. However, inflation became a concern, prompting the 1959 Stabilization Plan led by Opus Dei technocrats, marking a shift towards a more liberal economic model.