Franco’s Spain: Repression, State Structure, and Economic Impact
The Francoist Repression
Franco never showed any interest in seeking reconciliation with the defeated. His aim was always to destroy or subdue all those who showed opposition to the regime, known as ‘enemies of Spain’. The end of the conflict did not involve an end to violence, but rather the institutionalization of repression, through the Law of Political Responsibilities in 1939, and the Law for the Repression of Communism and Masonry. The army was the main executor of these repressive policies until 1963, when the Public Order Court (TOP) was created, a special civil court for political crimes. All linguistic and cultural manifestations were banned and persecuted if they were not Castilian, as they were considered to be against the principle of the unbreakable unity of Spain, with Catalan, Galician, and Basque considered mere dialects.
Structure of the New Francoist State
The Franco dictatorship tried to give an appearance of legality with the enactment of a series of Basic Laws that took the place of a nonexistent constitution and the creation of courts that gave the appearance of a parliamentary system. This political framework was named Organic Democracy. Between 1938 and 1966, a series of Fundamental Laws were enacted to adapt to the circumstances of the Francoist regime. These laws included:
- 1938 Labor Charter: Based on Mussolini’s Carta del Lavoro.
- 1942 Law of the Cortes: Enacted when the tide of World War II turned in favor of the Allies (France, Britain, U.S., and USSR), and the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) were nearing defeat. This act, in part, aimed to present a less fascist image externally, leading to the removal of symbols like the fascist salute and uniforms.
- 1945 Charter of the Spanish People (Fuero de los Españoles): Enacted after the defeat of fascism in World War II, it granted a limited number of freedoms that did not conflict with the principles of the regime. The National Referendum Law was also enacted in this year.
- 1947 Law of Succession to the Headship of the State: Franco declared Spain a kingdom, establishing himself as regent for life. It stipulated that after his death, Juan Carlos I would succeed him as Head of State.
- 1958 Principles of the National Movement: This law stipulated that all civil and military officials would be considered ex officio members of the National Movement, the political party that re-established the political ideas of the Falange and JONS. Membership was required for public employment.
- 1966 Organic Law of the State: This law consolidated previous legislation and stated that the head of state and government would be distinct roles. This made effective the appointment of Carrero Blanco as head of government. The law, passed in a referendum, purified its language and, in Franco’s words, aimed to secure the regime’s future.
Economic Development and Opposition (1959-1973)
Economic development between 1959 and 1973 became a propaganda weapon for the Franco regime, but also the origin of new social conflicts. It promoted the diffusion of new attitudes and behaviors. The Franco regime remained a dictatorship, unable to democratize, which led to the development of opposition movements.