From Dictatorship to Democracy: The Spanish Transition
1. From dictatorship to democracy.
- 1.1. Franco’s dictatorship (1939-1975). Franco assumed all powers, he approved the laws. There was no constitution, but there was a set of laws called fundamental laws. FET y de la JONS was the only legal party, which included groups that had supported the uprising against the Second Republic. Rights and liberties were abolished. All expressions of regional nationalism were banned, the Basque and Catalan Statutes of autonomy were annulled. Franco’s dictatorship was repressive, many republicans were executed, imprisoned or sentenced to hard labor. There was a purge among government workers, if they had any ties to the republican side they could be removed from their positions.
- 1.2. Supporters of Francoism. The army: they were in charge of state security, and were the main pillar of the regime, many military officers were given key political positions. The Catholic Church: This was the official state religion, the church had control over education, and a considerable influence on the rest of the society. Landowners and Business: Rural bourgeoisie benefitted from the abolition of agrarian reform, while industrial bourgeoisie benefitted from the absence of trade unions. Other groups: some middle class conservatives wanted the social order to be maintained at any price.
- 1.3. Fascist-leaning government. Blue division: In 1941, was created to support the Nazis and the Russian front, because Hitler was not convinced that Spain could be an effective ally following the devastation caused by the Spanish Civil War. After the war: Spain was not admitted to the UN and France closed its border with Spain. The allied powers did not remove Franco, but he faced isolation as the last remaining dictator. FET y de la JONS were the only party but some took role supporting the regime: The sindicato Vertical, made up of workers and businessmen, there were no free labor negotiations and strikes were banned; The Sección Femenina, made up of women, was responsible for social work; The Frente de Juventudes, arranged recreational activities for young people.
- 1.4. A Ruined Economy. After the civil war, the Spanish economy was ruined, in consequence, economic activity slowed down in cities and many people returned to live in rural areas. The regime had a policy of autarchy (economic self-sufficient), it created constitutions like the National Wheat Service, which controlled the production and distribution of wheat. This policy failed, and the Spanish economy could not meet the needs of the population. Then in 1940, basic goods such as food, clothes and fuel were scarce, and began to be rationed. In that time, The Black market (estraperlo) emerged.
2. Consolidation and Development (1950-1973).
- 2.1. The end of international isolation. Finished in the late 1940s. The Cold War was the main cause of Spain’s changing international status. The United States was anti-communist and viewed Franco as a strongly ally. The Pact of Madrid: In 1953, allowed the United States to built air and naval military bases in Spain in exchange for economic assistance.
- 2.2. The changing image of the regime. Franco’s image: Leading positions were often given to Catholics and Monarchists, rather to Falangists. The National movement replace FET y de las JONS. The political system was now called an organic democracy, although in reality was still a dictatorship.
- 2.3. The modernization of the economy in the 1960s. Factors: 1. Tourism expanded massively, and became one of the country’s main economic activities. Industry and the services sector also grew. 2. Agriculture was mechanized, which led to an increase in production and a fall in labor costs. 3. Foreign investment was attracted to Spain by its low salaries and taxes. 4. Foreign currency was earned from tourism and the inflow of money sent home by emigrants. Development plans were carried out each year from 1964 with the aim of promoting industrial production throughout the country. Population Growth was rapid, the birth rate was 20% during the 1960s and the death rate was 8.5%. Rural exodus was a consequence of agricultural changes.
3. The final years of the dictatorship (1973-1975).
- 3.1. Organized opposition to the Franco regime. The Communist party (PCE): proposed a policy of national reconciliation, bringing together all the parties opposed to the dictatorship. In 1962, opposition parties met in Munich, where they signed a joint condemnation of the Franco regime. In 1974, PSOE began its internal reorganization at the Congress of Suresnes in France, and elected Felipe Gonzalez as leader. The associations were: the Junta Democrática de España in 1974 and Plataforma de Convergencia Democrática in 1975. Opposition to the regime: The trade union movement was led by Comisiones Obreras (CCOO). A student movement developed in universities. Neighborhood movements became active in calling for improvements in local services such as public transport.
- 3.2. The final crisis (1973-1975). The oil crisis of 1973 affected Spain greatly. The sharp rise in oil prices caused inflation, businesses closed, and there was increased unemployment. This economic crisis led to social unrest, and a number of strikes were organized by clandestine trade unions. By 1973, Franco was in poor health, and admiral Luis Carrero Blanco was the new head of government. The regime announced a state of emergency on several occasions, there were death sentences to some ETA members and communist organization FRAP.
4. The transition. Is the restoration of a democratic system in Spain that began soon after Franco’s death in November 1975.
- 4.1. The beginning of the transition. Adolfo Suarez in July 1976, was appointed prime minister, and carried out some reforms. Reforms: The law for Political Reform, in 1976, prepared the way for Spain to become a constitutional monarchy. An amnesty was granted to political prisoners. Political Parties, including communist party, were legalized. These cause a climate with tensions and violence: Violent killings were renewed by the ETA and GRAPO terrorists groups. Neo-fascist terrorists, with links to the Francoist right, killed a group of left-wing lawyers in the Massacre of Atocha (1977).
- 4.2. The first elections. The UCD (union de centro democratico) won the elections in 1977 led by Adolfo Suarez. New government didn’t have absolute power, so they made some agreements with other groups. Agreements: The Moncloa Pact, the parties represented in parliament and the trade union did this pact to address Spain’s serious economic crisis. A democratic constitution, was approved by a referendum in 1978. It was agreed that the central government would cede autonomy to the Spanish regions, and the first Status of Autonomy were granted.
5. The Spanish Constitution of 1978.
- 5.1. The constitution. Some main principles are: 1. Spain is a social and democratic state, subject to the rule of law. 2. Citizens elect their representatives in free, equal and secret elections. 3. Spain is a parliamentary monarchy. 4. The Constitution recognized the separation of powers. 5. The constitution recognized the rights and liberties of all citizens. 6. The constitution is based on the idea that Spain is a single, unified country. 7. The constitution allowed for the late creation of the autonomous communities, which would decentralize administrative power in Spain.
- 5.2. The Statutes of Autonomy. These are laws which establish self-government and define the territory, official institutions and other things of each community.
6. PSOE Governments.
- 6.1. Socialist reforms. Felipe Gonzalez became prime minister for four successive socialist governments, until 1996. Reforms: 1. The welfare state was expanded, so that public services, public education, unemployment benefits and pensions reached the whole population. 2. The transport network was enlarged, with the development of public infrastructures. 3. Internal security was improved, there were reforms in the armed forces, and in counter-terrorist cooperation with France in order to fight ETA. 4. The economy was restructured, economic reforms included tough adjustment policies and industrial revolution, these reforms led to economic growth.