Franco’s Spain: Regime, Economy, and Opposition
The Imposition of Franco’s Regime
Following the victory by arms, the regime imposed repression and treatment of possible opponents. It relied on the support of families, the military, Falangists, the church, and monarchists. The population was depleted after the war.
Settlement of the Scheme
The regime used many elements to maintain support, including the ideology of the Spanish Falange, fascist principles and symbols, traditionalism, militarism, and nationalism. The lack of incorporation was substituted with fundamental laws.
Autarky and the Stabilization Plan
Franco’s political economy went through several phases, including autarkic policies between 1939 and 1959. The consequences were inflation, shortages, rationing, the black market, and poverty. In 1959, the implementation of the stabilization plan led to economic development.
International Relations
During World War II and the Cold War, Spain did not participate in World War II but collaborated with the Axis countries. With the defeat of fascism, the Franco regime was isolated internationally. At the Potsdam Conference, it was decided not to admit Spain to the UN, nor could it benefit from the Marshall Plan. With the Cold War, the international attitude toward Franco changed, leading to Hispanic-American agreements, the concordat with the Vatican, and admission to the UN.
Economic Growth
In the 1970s, there was strong economic growth. Opus Dei technocrats designed development plans. Among their instruments were poles of development, the mechanization of agriculture, promotion of consumption, increased energy production, improved transport, and tourism.
Adverse Effects of Growth
Development plans also had negative effects, including regional and social inequalities, deficiencies in the services sector, emigration from farms to cities and to other countries, and housing problems. The foreign currency sent by migrants and tourism had a positive impact and helped to develop the economy.
Adequacy of the Regime’s Policy
Franco attempted to improve his image abroad. Policies shifted from military courts to the court of public order. The Act of the State was drafted. The Press Act eliminated prior censorship. Franco named Juan Carlos de Borbón as his successor as head of state.
Years 40 and 50: Repression and Demoralization
During the war, opposition to the regime was increasingly demoralized. Repression at home was very harsh. The maquis failed and was dismantled. The Republican government in exile hoped that the defeat of fascism in World War II would mean the end of the dictatorship. Hispanic-American agreements and UN admission ended the hopes of the opposition.
The 60s: The New Opposition
Development took its toll as the opposition grew in the workplace and in the university. The Munich conference of 1962 brought democratic forces in opposition to Franco at home and abroad. Cracks occurred within the National Movement with the appearance of worker priests.
Culture and Art During the Franco Regime
Censorship was a major obstacle to cultural and artistic development. The official culture promoted the values of the regime. The unofficial culture produced works of great cultural and artistic value.
Factors of the Crisis
The deterioration of Franco was influenced by external and internal factors. External factors included the crisis of 1973, the international rejection of the dictatorship, the Carnation Revolution in Portugal, and progress on the Green Sahara. Internal factors included clashes between families and divisions within the Franco regime, as well as unchanging policies versus openings. In an attempt to stem the crisis, Franco ceded the presidency to Carrero Blanco, and after his death in an attack, to Arias Navarro. Franco died on November 20, 1975.
Strengthening of the Opposition
The forces of organized opposition anticipated the imminent demise of the regime. The young leaders of the interior took direction of opposition political groups. Public order was greatly affected by the proliferation of worker strikes and student demonstrations. A very serious destabilizing factor was terrorism, played by ETA and FRAP.