Franco’s Spain: Regime Foundations and Global Shifts
Foundations of Francoism
Franco assumed power, becoming the Chief of State and supreme commander of the Army. He oversaw legislative and judicial functions.
- Only one legal party existed: FET y de las JONS.
- Individual freedoms were suppressed.
- The nationalist dictatorship was supported by the army, the Catholic Church, big business, landowners, and a large part of the middle class.
- Severe repression characterized the regime’s early years. Republicans were sentenced to forced labor or executed.
- The publication of different Castilian languages was prohibited.
- Many people went into exile due to the Civil War, fearing repression.
- The Blue Division was created in 1941 to support Germany on the Russian front, but in 1942, Spain declared itself neutral.
- An autarky economic policy was imposed, aspiring to national self-sufficiency.
- To control the population, citizens were dependent on FET y de las JONS. This repression almost eliminated internal opposition, with only a few guerrilla groups, like the maquis, remaining.
- Product shortages led the state to establish food rationing. A black market appeared, where goods could be acquired at higher prices.
International Isolation and Economic Transformation
Post-War Isolation and Cold War Shift
At the end of World War II (1945), the victorious powers subjected the dictatorship to international isolation. Spain was not admitted to the UN, and almost all countries withdrew their ambassadors. France closed its border with Spain. This situation changed with the Cold War.
Economic Growth and Modernization (1960-1973)
New leaders implemented a Stabilization Plan in 1959. Autarky was abandoned, and the Spanish economy began to integrate into the capitalist system of surrounding countries. Economic growth between 1960 and 1973 had two main bases:
- Industrial growth.
- Expansion of the service sector, especially tourism.
Agriculture was modernized due to mechanization. This economic growth was possible due to significant foreign investment attracted by low wages and low taxes. The government implemented development plans designed to industrialize poorer areas and reduce welfare differences between regions.
Demographic Changes
There was a sharp increase in the population, which caused a rural exodus. Spain became an urban nation, but rural areas became deserted as cities grew.
Opposition and the End of Francoism
Political Opposition and Reconciliation
In 1956, the Communist Party launched a political reconciliation initiative, aiming for an alliance of all parties opposed to the dictatorship, regardless of whether they were right-wing or left-wing. In 1962, these parties met in Munich. Afterwards, associations like the Democratic Board and the Democratic Convergence Platform were created.
Spanish Sahara and Franco’s Death
There was a conflict in the Spanish Sahara colony, which claimed its independence. The Moroccan regime took advantage of Spain’s weakness to annex it in the Green March. Franco died on November 20, 1974.
Global Political and Economic Transformations
The Soviet Union: Gorbachev and Post-Soviet Russia
Mikhail Gorbachev became President of the Soviet Union in 1985, initiating Perestroika (economic reforms) and Glasnost (political openness). Boris Yeltsin won the elections in 1991 but could not prevent the crisis from escalating during the economic transition. There was a general atmosphere of corruption, and conflicts like those in Chechnya erupted as Russia refused to lose territory. In December 1991, Yeltsin resigned and was succeeded by Vladimir Putin, who established an authoritarian regime under the guise of democracy.
United States: Leadership and Interventions
George H.W. Bush won the elections in 1988, achieving foreign policy success. Bill Clinton succeeded him in 1992. On September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers were bombed by Al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden.
- 1991 Gulf War: The U.S. intervened with an international coalition, backed by the UN, to eject Iraqi troops.
- 2001 Afghanistan War: After September 11, the U.S. led an offensive against the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
- 2003 Iraq War: The U.S. led this war without UN approval, justifying it by claiming Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, which was later recognized as untrue.
China’s Economic Reforms
Mao Zedong died in 1976. Deng Xiaoping initiated a new economic policy based on:
- Entry of foreign capital.
- Establishment of industries in special trade zones.
- Opening to the Western world.
Balkan Independence Movements
In June 1991, Macedonia, Croatia, and Slovenia proclaimed their independence.