Political and Economic Transformation of Spain in the 1960s
Political Paralysis of the Sixties
The politics of the 1960s in Spain were characterized by immobility and a lack of significant change. However, some new elements emerged:
- The decline of the Church’s influence and the Franco regime.
- The resurgence of nationalist tensions and the emergence of ETA terrorism.
- An increase in labor disputes.
Repressive Response
The regime responded with repression. In 1963, members of an underground Communist Party were executed for crimes committed during the Civil War. In 1962, after Spain applied for accession to the EEC, legislative changes were made, including the Press Law of 1966. The Organic Law of the State was passed in 1966. In 1969, Juan Carlos de Borbón, grandson of Alfonso XIII, was appointed successor to the title of King.
Growing Opposition
Opposition grew in factories, where clandestine unions were reborn, and in universities. The regime’s response was repression. The political police, the Brigada Político-Social, did not hesitate to use torture. Opponents were tried in the Court of Public Order.
- The first ETA attack and the indiscriminate repression of social support increased the band’s following.
- In 1970, the Trial of the Burgos 33 (nine villages with ETA connections) led to protests. The sentences were commuted.
Two Tendencies Within the Regime
Two tendencies emerged within the regime. On one hand, there were those who called for “openness” and the implementation of reforms on a democratic and parliamentary basis. On the other hand, there were the “bunker” sectors, more extremist and violent, who opposed any change.
In 1973, Carrero Blanco was appointed President of the Government, and Carlos Arias Navarro was appointed Minister of the Interior. That same year, the Process 1001 trial was held against the Workers’ Commissions (CCOO). On the same day, ETA assassinated Carrero Blanco.
The Last Moments of Franco’s Rule
The final years of Franco’s rule were marked by a complex and conflicting context, including:
- Confrontation with the Church (Bishop Antonio Añoveros Ataún was expelled from Spain).
- In September 1975, five FRAP and ETA militants were sentenced to death and executed.
- Moroccan King Hassan II organized the Green March into Spanish Western Sahara.
Finally, after three and a half months of illness, Franco died on November 20, 1975.
Economic Development of the Sixties
Stabilization Plan
The Stabilization Plan of 1959, designed by technocrats associated with Opus Dei, followed the guidelines of the World Bank and the IMF. It aimed to liberalize the economy (ending autarky and interventionism). Public spending was cut, and the economy was opened to the outside world.
As a result, the state deficit was reduced, foreign investment was attracted, and Spain experienced economic growth.
Industrial Growth and Foreign Investment (1961-1973)
From 1961 to 1973, there was significant industrial growth and expansion of the services sector. Foreign investment was attracted by low wages. Industrial development led to the migration of peasants to cities and to other European countries. Agriculture was modernized.
In trade, Spain achieved a surplus in its balance of payments. The traditional deficit was offset by income from tourism, foreign investment, and remittances from emigrants.
Development Plans and Social Changes
Development plans (tax incentives and state aid) were implemented but did not achieve their goals. The period from 1961 to 1973 saw major economic development in Europe and global expansion, foreign investment, a massive influx of tourists, and the elimination of unemployment through emigration to Europe.
Social Changes of the Sixties
- Massive rural migration to cities and Western Europe: This led to a reduction in unemployment and income from remittances, but also to human rootlessness and an exacerbation of wealth disparities between different regions.
- Strong population growth: Mortality rates decreased, and birth rates remained high. The government did not increase public spending, resulting in insufficient public services.
- Education: The number of schools lagged behind the needs of the child and youth population.
- Healthcare: Although some large hospitals were created and health benefits increased, healthcare coverage was far from the standards of a modern society.
- Housing: Huge demographic growth led to a significant housing deficit, resulting in large real estate transactions. New neighborhoods were built without social facilities and basic urban infrastructure.
- The consumer society: The use of electrical appliances, television, and cars became widespread, leading to a new mentality characterized by a focus on progress and a relaxation of the importance of the Church. New habits of social relations and new patterns of relationships between the sexes emerged. Fashion, customs, and costumes changed.
Opposition Parties and Unions
- The PSOE was a weak and divided party.
- The PCE was the main opposition party.
- Republican and anarchist groups had disappeared. Liberal and monarchist groups appeared at the end of the decade.
- In 1962, the Workers’ Commissions (CCOO), linked to the Communist Party, emerged. The UGT and CNT had no significant presence.
The Growing Struggle of the Sixties and Seventies
Protest Movements
- The labor movement: The CCOO and the PCE led the labor movement, transforming labor demands into political awareness against the Franco regime.
- Nationalist movements: Nationalist movements gained strength in Catalonia and the Basque Country. In the Basque Country, the most influential group was the PNV, while ETA gained notoriety with its terrorist actions.
- The student movement: Student protests spread and achieved a significant social impact.
- The Church: The Second Vatican Council encouraged the growth of critical grassroots movements within the Catholic Church, challenging the Franco regime. Although unable to overthrow Franco, these movements created a wide social network of opposition to the dictatorship.