Franco’s Spain: Politics, Economy, and Society (1939-1975)

Posted on Jan 4, 2025 in History

Economy: The Spanish Miracle (1959-1973)

The so-called “Spanish Miracle” saw a significant increase in per capita income. The 1959 Stabilization Plan aimed to open the Spanish economy. The peseta entered the international trading market, leading to back-inflation. Foreign trade became important, although imports exceeded exports. There was a significant development of the workforce, with agrarian employment decreasing from 50% to 20%. Tourism and emigrant remittances also played a crucial role.

Anti-Francoism (1962-1971)

  • 1962: The “Contubernio of Munich” united liberals, Francoists, anti-Francoists, republicans, socialists, and communists against the regime.
  • 1962: Workers’ Commissions (CCOO) were formed.
  • 1964: The Church distanced itself from the regime.
  • 1966: Abbot Escarré of Montserrat criticized the dictatorship in “Le Monde,” leading to increased demands for Catalan national freedom.
  • 1970: Trial of 16 Basque militants.
  • 1971: Formation of the Democratic Assembly of Catalonia, demanding freedom, amnesty, and solidarity with other peoples.

Domestic Policy (1971-1975)

  • 1971: Luis Carrero Blanco became President of the Government.
  • 1973: Carrero Blanco was assassinated by ETA. The “Process 1001” trial against CCOO took place.
  • 1974: Arias Navarro became President. Repression intensified.
  • September 1975: Three members of FRAP and two of ETA were condemned to death, sparking protests across Europe.
  • November 20, 1975: Franco died.
  • November 22, 1975: Juan Carlos I was proclaimed King.

Transition to Democracy (1976-1978)

  • 1976: Adolfo Suárez initiated reforms. The Law of Political Reform was approved, paving the way for free elections.
  • 1977: The PCE and PSUC were legalized. The first democratic elections since 1936 were held, with UCD winning, followed by PSOE.
  • 1978: The new Spanish Constitution was approved by referendum.

Economy: Crisis and Reindustrialization (1973-1977)

The 1973 OPEC oil crisis severely impacted Spain, leading to high unemployment and a structural crisis. The Moncloa Pacts of 1977 aimed to address the economic challenges without significant political changes initially.

Society: Democratic Convergence (1974-1976)

  • 1974: The PCE formed the “Democratic Junta.”
  • 1974: The PSOE held its congress in Suresnes, with Felipe González emerging as a leader.
  • 1975: The “Democratic Platform” was created.
  • 1976: The “Democratic Coordination” was established.

Early Francoism (1939-1953)

This period was characterized by fascist ideology and economic autarky. The regime was recognized by the US and the Vatican. Serrano Suñer, head of the Falange, was the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Repression was severe, with the Law of Political Responsibilities (1939) and the Law of Repression of Communism and Freemasonry (1940) targeting opponents. Thousands were executed.

Society Under Early Francoism

Repression and silence were pervasive. The Women’s Section of the Falange promoted traditional roles for women.

Economy Under Early Francoism

Autarky led to economic hardship and corruption. Income levels were low, and agriculture dominated the workforce. Rationing and the black market (“estraperlo”) were widespread. In 1940, Franco met with Hitler in Hendaye. The Blue Division, under General Muñoz Grandes, fought in Russia.

Mid-Francoism (1953-1959)

The Church maintained significant power. Autarky continued. Rationing ended in 1952. Spain joined the UN in 1955. President Eisenhower visited in 1959.

Anti-Francoism (1940-1959)

From 1939 to 1946, there were attacks by CNT commissars against police chiefs and Falangists. Industrial strikes occurred in 1946-1947. The PCE and PSUC organized the invasion of the Aran Valley in 1944. Strikes and student mobilizations took place in the 1950s. Technocrats from Opus Dei entered the government in 1957.

Late Francoism (1960-1973)

Technocrats like Bravo, López Rodó, and others were responsible for the economy. Porcioles was the mayor of Barcelona. The 1966 Press Law and the Organic Law of the State introduced some limited freedoms. The 1967 Law of Religious Freedom and the 1970 General Education Law brought further changes. The Matesa scandal of 1969 highlighted tensions between the Falange and Opus Dei.