Franco’s Unification Decree: Power Consolidation in Civil War Spain
The Unification Decree of 1937: Franco’s Power Consolidation
Introduction to the Unification Decree
This document is a primary source, a decree with a political content and legal-political nature. Its character is public, as it appeared in the Gazette. The author was Francisco Franco, ‘Head of the State Government’ and ‘Generalissimo of the Armies’ in the area controlled by the rebels. It was approved in April 1937, following successive failures to take Madrid and the conviction that the war would be prolonged. The place was Salamanca, home to Franco’s headquarters.
In terms of content, the extensive introduction explains the need to unify the major political forces supporting the uprising to prevent tensions and internal disputes. It provided for the unification of the two main groups that had supported the Uprising: Falangists and Carlists. The new party would be under Franco’s authority. The merger of their respective militias was also decided.
Immediate Historical Context
The failed military coup of July 18 divided the country into two zones, establishing two states with their respective institutions: the Republican side and the ‘Nationalist’ side. Sanjurjo’s death in a crash left the rebels without their natural leader, leading to the temporary establishment of a Board of National Defense, chaired by Cabanellas. This board was charged with administering the territory controlled by the rebels. Among its first measures were the suspension of the Constitution and the ban on political party activity.
On October 1, 1936, Franco was chosen as the highest political and military authority of the Nationalist side. This decision was influenced by his military successes (crossing the Strait, advancing on Madrid, the relief of the Alcázar of Toledo, etc.) and his recognition as a partner by the regimes of Hitler and Mussolini. He established his headquarters in Salamanca.
The basis of the new Franco regime drew inspiration from fascist states: a one-party, totalitarian regime with an absolute ruler. Moreover, there was a need for political cohesion among the diverse interest groups supporting the Uprising (Falangists, Carlists, monarchists, CEDA members, etc.). This political unification would be achieved by the Decree of April 19 (the text itself), involving the creation of a single party under Franco’s authority.
Furthermore, in the military field, the successive failures to take Madrid between November 1936 and March 1937 raised the prospect of a prolonged war and a reorientation of war objectives (beginning of the campaign in the North). Consequently, political unification in the rear became imperative.
Remote Historical Antecedents
First, we explain the origin and political trajectory of Carlism, stressing its traditionalist, conservative, and heavily Catholic character. This led them to reject the Republican regime from the outset and collaborate with Mola in the early stages of the uprising, especially in Navarre.
In contrast, the Spanish Falange party was newly created and espoused a fascist ideology. Its radicalism attracted conservative youth sectors. Both groups, Carlists and Falangists, were the main popular and political support for the insurgency and paved the way for the new single party created by Franco.
It is worth remembering how, in other circumstances, the dictator Miguel Primo de Rivera had tried to form a single party, the ‘Patriotic Union,’ to stay in power.
Conclusions on the Decree’s Impact
The creation of a single party under Franco’s authority consolidated his political leadership in the new regime that was taking shape. However, the merger would not be easy, and some sectors from both parties that opposed it would be repressed.