Francoist Spain: State Formation and Ideology
Ideological Foundations of the Franco Regime
On April 1, 1939, Franco declared the end of the Civil War. His victory paved the way for the establishment of a new state. The government formed on August 8, 1939, aligned with the regime’s ideological tendencies, undertook the task of consolidating the state, adapting to its evolving needs.
Basic Laws of the Francoist State
Lacking a formal constitution, this system was equipped with *Basic Laws* (also known as *Fundamental Laws*):
- The Constitutive Act of the Spanish Cortes established a theoretically ‘representative’ institution.
- The Charter of the Spanish outlined the rights and duties of Spaniards and established a Catholic confessional state.
- The National Referendum Act permitted popular consultation on government decisions.
- The Act of Succession defined Spain as a kingdom, subject to the principles of the National Movement.
- The Principles of the National Movement Act affirmed that its ideas were adopted from the Falange movement.
- The Organic Law of the State completed the legal structure of the new state.
Government Structure and Industrial Relations
Regarding the structure of government, Franco concentrated ultimate power in his hands. Meanwhile, the Falange controlled the production system through vertical unions and created a Cortes that lacked legislative functions and authority.
The state required a new framework for industrial relations. Therefore, it adopted the Labour Law, which formed the basis of vertical trade unionism and national unions. These were characterized as single, mandatory corporate unions that brought together both workers and employers, while prohibiting strikes.
Key Ideological Pillars of the Regime
- The Army was a key institution due to its loyalty to Franco and the regime.
- The Church ideologically legitimized the dictatorship and, in return, gained significant power.
- The Falange was under Franco’s direct control and gradually transformed into a bureaucratic body, losing its initial power.
Social Control, Repression, and Opposition
Other social groups that supported the Franco regime included the *bourgeoisie*, *landowners*, and the *majority of Catholics*. Propaganda and social control were crucial tools employed by the regime over the Spanish populace.
The fear of political and military repression after the war pushed many Spaniards into *exile* (e.g., France and several Latin American countries). The Franco regime enacted repressive legislation against all Republicans. Consequently, thousands were imprisoned, subjected to persecution and torture, or executed. Public administration, school, and university teachers were ‘purged’.
The opposition initially sought to end the regime by force (*maquis*). After this approach failed, internal networks were formed, infiltrating among workers and students (*underground movements*).
International Relations and World War II Impact
Regarding the impact of World War II, the war’s onset saw a rapprochement with the Axis powers, driven by ideological affinity and strategic interest. However, pressure from the Allies and the growing prospect of Germany’s defeat led Franco to distance himself from overt fascism.
Following the Allied victory, Spain faced international isolation, despite Franco’s attempts to ingratiate himself with the Allies. At the beginning of the Cold War, the United States began to view Franco as a potential ally in its fight against the USSR.