Franco’s Spain: Domestic and Foreign Policies

Domestic Policy Under Franco

  • Franco concentrated all power in his own hands, with the support of the only official political party: Falange.
  • The Constitution of 1931 was replaced by a new set of laws dictated by Franco.
  • Power was centralized and regionalism was suppressed. The use of languages other than Spanish, such as Catalan, Basque, and Galician, was also prohibited.
  • In 1969, Franco designated Juan Carlos de Borbón as his successor.
  • During the 1940s and 1950s, a UN-imposed embargo forced Spain to develop a self-sufficient economy. This led to economic stagnation and prevented industrial development.
  • Economic development began in the 1960s as the regime became more technocratic. New industrial zones were created, and foreign currency began to arrive in Spain.
  • Franco implemented a program of indoctrination based on patriotism and family values (Sección Femenina and Frente de Juventudes). The regime suppressed organizations that demanded freedom, such as trade unions and student organizations.

Foreign Policy Under Franco

  • During the early years of the Franco regime, Spain experienced a period of international isolation because the United Nations imposed an embargo.
  • In 1953, Spain signed a military agreement with the United States and a concordat with the Vatican. This marked a new, more open phase. Spain also became a member of the United Nations in 1955.
  • The Concordat: The regime gave the Catholic Church important privileges (tax exemptions and considerable control over education).
  • The Military Agreement with the United States: The United States favored the Franco regime because it was anti-Communist and because of Spain’s strategic location in Europe. The United States established military bases in Spain.