Francoist Spain: Ideology, Social Pillars, and Political Structure

Posted on Dec 2, 2024 in History

Unit 10: The Creation of the Francoist State: Ideological and Social Supports

April 1, 1939, marked the final victory of Franco’s troops over the Republicans and the end of the Spanish Civil War. These events led to the establishment of a new regime: the dictatorship of General Franco. The regime evolved significantly throughout its existence. From Fascist influences in the early 1940s to the openings of the 1960s, it demonstrated an extraordinary ability to adapt to the changing international situation and economic transformations, allowing Franco to remain in power until his death in 1975. However, political and social repression persisted, as did the dictator’s personal and absolute power. Franco’s Spain was an authoritarian, nationalist, and Catholic state, with Franco exercising ultimate authority with the support of the Army. Its international image revolved around the defense of the Catholic religion and the fight against communism.

I. Social Support: Backing from Traditional Spain

The political and social sectors that supported Franco were primarily linked to traditional Spain. These included the heirs of those who had voted for dynastic parties, supported Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship, and felt threatened by leftist forces during the Second Republic.

The dictatorship had the support of:

  • The Church
  • The oligarchy (industrial and financial)
  • The rural middle class of the North and Castile
  • Soldiers who had been part of the Nationalist army during the war
  • The petty bourgeoisie

Furthermore, the economic development of the 1960s enhanced social support among the middle classes, who saw Franco as a guarantor of order and traditional values. The working class also saw improvements in their economic situation and consumption possibilities.

II. Ideological Foundations of the Franco Regime

Franco created an authoritarian, dictatorial regime, not guided by a single ideology. He concentrated all power in his person and carried out a crackdown against the opposition. He was the head of state, prime minister, army chief, and head of the single party (Traditionalist Spanish Falange and JONS). The Cortes (Parliament) had no representative power, and there was no constitution to limit Franco’s authority. He suppressed the 1931 Constitution and individual and collective rights, prohibiting political parties and trade unions. He abolished the statutes of autonomy and forbade any manifestation of nationalism, including the use of regional languages. The Franco regime remained true to its ideological principles, inspired by three pillars: the Falange, the Church, and the Army, with traditionalists and monarchists acting as key support groups.

1. The Army and National-Patriotism

The Army argued that the unity and territorial integrity of the motherland should be the government’s priority. This involved eliminating any form of autonomy and establishing a single administration and language. The army was controlled by Franco and subordinate to him. It was the defender of national unity and public order.

2. The Falange and National Syndicalism

The Falange, inspired by Italian fascism, promoted a totalitarian, illiberal, anti-democratic, and anti-Marxist ideology called national syndicalism. Formed by the union of Falangists and Traditionalists following the 1937 Decree of Unification, it eventually became the National Movement and served as the only political party in the State. Its main mission was to control and indoctrinate society through various institutions, targeting different groups:

  • Workers: Compelled to join the “vertical unions” that formed the Spanish Trade Union Organization (the only legal union).
  • University: SEU (Spanish University Syndicate).
  • Youth: OJE (Spanish Youth Organization).
  • Women: Women’s Section.
  • School: Members of the Falange taught a compulsory course (FEN), transmitting the values and foundations of the regime.

The Falange, in conjunction with the Church, imposed a paternalistic direction on society, extolling the figure of the Leader and conditioning public and private life. The Falange played a prominent role during the early years of Franco, the so-called blue years, when the regime adopted Falangist imagery: blue uniforms, anthems, parades, etc. The defeat of Germany and Italy in World War II advised a toning down of the fascist aspects, resulting in a decrease in the Falange’s prominence in the government.

3. National Catholicism: The Church

The Church had supported the Nationalist camp from the outset, defining the war as a crusade to eradicate the communist revolution. It strengthened the “national” bloc, giving rise to National Catholicism as the ideological foundation of the new regime. This involved defending the Catholic religion and morality as inherent to the Spanish State. Confessionalism was established, all secular legislation of the Republic (civil marriage, divorce, etc.) was abolished, and the teaching of Catholic religion became compulsory. Catholic morality was imposed, conditioning all aspects of private and public life. Church-state relations were governed by the 1953 Concordat, and the Church regained its privileges and properties. The practice of other religions remained restricted, with public demonstrations prohibited.

III. Organic Democracy and Rights at Law

Seeking to gain the support of Western democracies after World War II, Francoist propaganda began to describe the regime as an organic democracy. This concept was consolidated in the 1960s and was based on the idea that the natural organs of association were threefold: family, municipality, and trade union. Thus, according to the Franco regime, true democracy would involve gathering the representation of these three natural organs of society.

Organic democracy was based on: the Cortes and Franco’s Fundamental Laws.

Franco’s Cortes

The Cortes lacked legislative powers, limited to passing laws and budgets submitted by the government. They were not representative, as their members (“Attorneys”) were appointed by the government through indirect elections among the councils, unions, and corporations. Starting in 1968, a limited direct election by citizens (heads of households and married women) was allowed for 1/3 of these attorneys (representing the family).

Fundamental Laws

In the absence of a constitution, Fundamental Laws were drawn up, outlining ideological principles, fundamental rights, state organization, and criteria for succession as head of state. Over the system’s life, seven Fundamental Laws were enacted:

  1. The Labor Law (enacted during the Civil War): Regulated labor relations and prohibited strikes and unions.
  2. The Constitutive Act of the Cortes.
  3. Jurisdiction of the Spanish People: Bill of rights and duties of the Spanish people.
  4. National Referendum Act.
  5. Law of Succession to the Head of State: Franco, as head of state, could propose his successor to the Cortes with the title of king or ruler. The successor had to be Spanish, over 30 years old, and swear to uphold the Fundamental Laws. Spain was defined as a kingdom, although Franco remained head of state for life. A Regency Council (composed of the President of the Cortes, the most senior General of the armed forces, and the highest-ranking prelate) was created to serve as regent if Franco died without naming a successor. A Privy Council was also established to advise Franco in decision-making.
  6. Principles of the National Movement Act.
  7. The Organic Law of the State.