Post-War Spain (1939-1975): From Dictatorship to Transition
Post-War Spain (1939-1959)
Social Aspects
Concentration of Powers: Franco established a totalitarian state, combining elements of fascism, military dictatorship, and absolute monarchy. He held all power, serving as party leader, prime minister, and self-proclaimed leader of Spain, as well as Generalissimo of the armies.
Fundamental Laws: The dictator abolished the Republican Constitution (1931), banned political parties and trade unions, and revoked statutes of autonomy. Governance was based on fundamental laws, trade union suppression, and other decrees.
Pillars of the Regime:
- The Church: The Catholic Church became the ideological foundation of the regime, imposed as the only official religion.
- The Phalanx: A fascist-inspired political organization.
- The Army: The army served as the regime’s backbone, upholding Franco’s power.
Other social sectors supporting the regime included landowners, the upper and middle classes, and the Catholic peasantry.
Ideology and Social Control: The Franco regime exerted total control over media and propaganda, influencing daily life. This included promoting ruralization, controlling cultural and religious behavior, establishing youth organizations (Youth Front), and creating a women’s section responsible for social services. Education involved mandatory political indoctrination, religious instruction, and religious practices.
Suppression of the Opposition: The Law of Political Responsibility facilitated the suppression of dissent through military trials, civil trials (leading to exile), and political purges.
International Relations
Spain’s Position During World War II: Initially aligned with the Nazi-fascist powers, Spain shifted to a non-belligerent stance as Germany’s fortunes declined.
International Isolation: Between 1945 and 1946, the UN recommended the withdrawal of ambassadors from Madrid, isolating the Franco regime.
Economic Aspects
The post-war period saw declines in labor force, agricultural and industrial production, gold reserves, foreign currency, and the transport network.
1940s (Rationing): Prices for essential goods were controlled, and rationing was implemented using ration cards.
Autarky: The regime pursued a policy of autarky, restricting imports to promote Spanish products.
1950s (Shift from Autarky): The failure of autarky led to the need for food imports. The economy was liberalized, and in 1953, a concordat with the Catholic Church recognized its privileged position. The U.S. established military bases in Spain.
Spain in the 1950s and 1960s
Political Changes
From 1957, technocrats, including members of Opus Dei, were appointed as ministers. This shift, however, did not alter the dictatorial nature of the regime.
Technocrats of Opus Dei: Their objective was to liberalize the economy and integrate it into the international capital market.
Organic Law of the State (1967): This final fundamental law, intended as a constitutional framework, was approved through a non-democratic referendum.
Laws of Succession (1947-1969): These laws declared Spain a kingdom and designated Juan Carlos de Borbón as Franco’s successor in 1969.
Economic Transformation
Stabilization Plan: This plan marked the end of autarky and secured loans from various sources, committing the Franco government to opening the Spanish economy.
Development Plans: Three development plans aimed to address structural deficiencies and create development hubs to reduce economic imbalances.
Industrial Development and its Impact: Growth in industry and services led to a significant rural exodus and an economic boom fueled by tourism, foreign investment, and remittances.
Social and Cultural Aspects
Labor surplus and unemployment, driven by mechanization, resulted in internal migration (rural exodus) and emigration to other European countries. The urban population grew, leading to the rise of industrial workers and the middle class, and new social and cultural behaviors emerged.
Opposition to Franco
Labor Movement: The UGT and CCOO infiltrated official trade unions, while the CNT disappeared. The PCE and PSOE continued their activities alongside other progressive parties.
Student Activism: Student organizations emerged, leading to mass demonstrations and labor unrest.
Crisis and End of the Regime
The assassination of Luis Carrero Blanco marked a turning point, leading to divisions between hardliners and those favoring a more open approach (aperturistas). Spain experienced political and economic instability. Franco died on November 20, 1975.