Franco’s Dictatorship in Spain: Politics, Economy, and Society
Introduction
After the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), General Francisco Franco rose to power, establishing a dictatorship that profoundly impacted Spain. This period is considered one of the harshest in modern Spanish history.
Political Aspects
Franco, an Africanist and Catholic military figure, implemented a dictatorship with a heroic interpretation of Spanish history, idealizing the Reconquista, the conquest of America, and the Habsburg rule. He identified Freemasons, liberals, anarchists, socialists, and communists as enemies of Spain.
Franco’s dictatorship was characterized by:
- Personal rule
- A one-party system (FET y de las JONS)
- Division of society into winners and losers
This regime, a form of fascism, involved submission to a leader, repression, and suppression of basic freedoms. The Statutes of Autonomy of Catalonia and the Basque Country were abolished, and Franco held absolute power. There was no constitution, democracy, or political parties.
Supports of the Dictatorship
- Military: The army was the most powerful and loyal pillar of the regime.
- The Church: In exchange for its support, the Church received significant concessions, although opposition persisted in the Basque Country and Catalonia. Following the Second Vatican Council, the Church began to distance itself from the regime.
- Falange: This state bureaucratic body was responsible for the “Movimiento Nacional” and propaganda.
- Nationalists: This group supported the 1936 military uprising.
Totalitarian Phase
1. Second World War
Spain initially remained neutral in World War II. However, witnessing Germany’s early successes, Franco shifted to non-belligerence, providing materials and strategic locations to Germany, and sending the Blue Division (a Spanish volunteer corps). From 1942, as Germany faced difficulties, Spain returned to neutrality and began contacting the Allies. To project a more liberal image, Franco introduced the Cortes (a gathering of former supporters) and the Fuero de los Españoles (a substitute for a constitution).
2. International Isolation
After the war, Spain faced international isolation, considered a fascist stronghold. In 1946, the UN condemned the regime, France closed its borders, and many UN members withdrew their ambassadors. Spain was excluded from NATO and the Marshall Plan. Franco portrayed this isolation as an international conspiracy. He took steps to improve the regime’s image, abolishing the fascist salute and promulgating the Law of Succession, which would convert Spain into a kingdom, although Franco retained ultimate authority. The Council of Regency and the Council of the Kingdom were created. While Franco didn’t name a successor, Prince Juan Carlos (grandson of Alfonso XIII) was educated in Spain under his tutelage.
3. The Cold War
The Cold War tension between the US and the USSR provided Spain with political leverage. In 1949, the US government granted Spain a loan. In 1950, Spain joined UNESCO. The 1953 Pact of Madrid allowed US military bases on Spanish soil in exchange for economic and military aid. Spain joined the UN in 1955, and President Eisenhower visited in 1959. The Fundamental Law of the National Movement was promulgated, requiring adherence to Falangist principles.
Opposition and Repression
Repression
Repression against democratic movements and the left was enforced through the Law of Political Responsibilities and the Law of Repression of Freemasonry and Communism, placing these offenses under military tribunals. Franco continuously used the death penalty against opponents and established the Public Order Court.
Opposition
Underground activity by small groups from the PCE and PSOE, along with monarchist groups, continued. Monarchist groups petitioned Franco for the restoration of the monarchy, and Juan de Borbón also urged Franco to reinstate the monarchy.
Economic Aspects
The Spanish economy under Franco can be divided into two periods:
- Depression and stagnation during the totalitarian phase
- Economic expansion following the Stabilization Plan
The Civil War caused devastation and high economic costs, significantly reducing agricultural and industrial production. This stagnation lasted nearly 20 years. Franco’s initial policy of autarky led to shortages, rationing, a black market, and the deliberate de-industrialization of Catalonia and the Basque Country. Autarky resulted in widespread poverty, corruption, and a lack of industrial growth.
Between 1951 and 1957, Spain began to recover, with some interventionist measures lifted, allowing moderate growth. However, this led to inflation and a decrease in foreign currency reserves. The 1959 Stabilization Plan marked the beginning of the “Spanish Miracle.”
Social Aspects
The dictatorship relied on several powerful groups:
- The Military: Defenders of national unity and public order, they received high positions in government and public companies.
- The Catholic Church: The state suppressed Republican religious and secular legislation, including civil marriage and divorce. The Church supported the regime and received privileges in society and education.
- Falange: Provided the regime’s ideology and symbols, controlling the working class through the SEU.
The rest of the population was forced to change their behaviors and ideas. Many Spaniards emigrated to America. Remaining political opponents faced imprisonment and marginalization. Many intellectuals left the country.