Franco’s Dictatorship in Spain: Phases and Evolution
Franco’s Dictatorship: From Civil War to Technocracy
The Spanish Civil War concluded with the victory of the insurgent forces, establishing a civilian dictatorship. This regime ensured the social dominance and economic interests of the oligarchy, the Church, and the Army. The initial phase was characterized by the persecution of the opposition and an autarkic economic system. The dictatorship underwent several adaptations:
- Fascist Dictatorship: Until the end of World War II.
- International Isolation: Until the United States recognized and supported Spain due to the Cold War.
- Technocracy: Beginning in 1957, the 1960s saw economic expansion, leading to the emergence of cultural and ideological movements, and creating opposition groups.
Ideological Foundations and Social Support
Franco’s regime was a military dictatorship exercised by the victors of the Civil War. Franco, a military Africanist and a Catholic, held absolute power from the outset. All institutions were subordinate to him. The political fundamentals included:
- Rejection of a liberal and democratic state.
- Concentration of all power in Franco.
- A single political party led by Franco.
- Exalted nationalism.
- Militarism: Uniforms, parades, symbols, and flags became commonplace.
- Catholicism as a state religion.
There was constant repression against communists, Jews, and other groups. Concentration camps proliferated, and suspicion and denunciation were widespread. Government bodies were purged, and the Law of Political Responsibilities was enacted. The Army, the Church, the Falange, the traditionalists, and the conservative right were the dictatorship’s main supporters. There was no direct opposition from those who did not support the Republicans. Franco developed a set of laws as the basis for political action: Labor Law, Jurisdiction of the Spanish, Succession Act, the Constitutive Act of the Parliament, etc. Franco had the right to be head of state and to appoint his successor. Spain was transformed into a Kingdom. Economic policy had two major points:
- Self-sufficiency: The aim was to rebuild the Spanish economy without relying on foreign trade.
- State intervention: Companies were subject to the interests of the State.
These measures led to increased discontent among many entrepreneurs. Spain was forced to implement rationing, and there were widespread shortages.
The Isolation of Franco’s Regime
Franco remained neutral at the outbreak of World War II. After the defeat of France in 1940, he established a policy of “non-belligerency.” To directly enter the war, Franco demanded that Hitler give him French territories in Morocco, an offer rejected because Hitler did not trust Franco’s military capacity. Spain, however, continued to provide food and minerals. Franco sent the Blue Division to fight alongside the Nazis, but after the Nazi defeat at Stalingrad, he ordered its retreat and instructed the press to cease publishing Nazi successes. Despite this, Spain was not admitted to the UN and was condemned as a threat to international peace. The isolation worsened the economy. The landowners benefited the most: increased prices due to tight supply led to higher agricultural profits. Discontent grew among many businesses, and workers suffered great hardship.
The Alliance with the U.S. and Franco’s Consolidation
In 1950, the U.S. ended Spain’s isolation, rescinding its condemnation of the regime. Shortly after, the Hispanic-American Friendship Agreement was signed. In exchange for food and economic aid, the U.S. was allowed to establish military bases in Spain. That same year, Spain signed a new Concordat with the Vatican and was eventually accepted into the UN. U.S. loans helped alleviate the economic crisis, boosting agriculture and industry. However, this progress was short-lived because Franco failed to deliver on his promise of liberalization. Between 1956 and 1959, a social crisis erupted, starting at the universities and spreading to factories. Falangists clashed with monarchists and National Catholics. The technocrats emerged victorious, initiating economic and social modernization. The PCE, PSOE, and CNT continued their activities clandestinely. Don Juan issued the Manifesto of Lausanne to claim the throne.