Spain: From National-Catholicism to International Isolation (1945-1953)

The Period 1945-1951: National-Catholicism

The Catholic Varnish

The Franco government of July 18, 1945, emerged in the aftermath of World War II, facing uncertainty and adopting a Catholic veneer to align with the democratic reconstruction of Europe. Previously, Franco’s regime had balanced Falangists with monarchists and traditionalists, with minimal Catholic presence. Franco, seeking to stabilize his dictatorship, incorporated Catholics, leading to a shift in Spain’s image.

He aimed to merge CEDA (Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Rights) with Catholic Action. Figures like Gil Robles (CEDA leader) and Jiménez Fernández (Franco’s minister) faced criticism from monarchists regarding this Catholic involvement. Despite this, the national-Catholic government gained ground with ministers like Ibáñez Martín (Education), Martín Artajo (Foreign Affairs), and Ladreda.

Fuero and Referendum: The Populist Veneer

On July 16, 1945, the Fuero de los Españoles, a fundamental law of Francoism, was proclaimed. This catalog of rights and duties, an amendment to the previous authoritarian profile, fell short of the UN’s Declaration of Human Rights. It was the first “issued charter,” though it referred to a State.

On October 22, 1945, the Referendum Act was passed. The Head of State could submit projects drafted by the Cortes (Movement and families) to a referendum. The Act of Succession underwent a referendum in 1947. The regime manipulated adherence rates, claiming a 90% affirmative vote despite electoral fraud. This led to Spain’s condemnation by the UN and the withdrawal of foreign ambassadors.

On December 9, 1946, a rally at Plaza de Oriente aimed to showcase popular support for the regime. The opposition’s hopes, fueled by the Axis powers’ defeat, declined by the early 1950s. Spanish anarcho-syndicalism was neutralized, and communists faced repression. The latter organized guerrilla warfare, including the invasion of the Aran Valley in 1944. The maquis resistance continued until 1948, fading by 1952.

After World War II, the Republic organized in Mexico, claiming legitimacy. Socialists explored possibilities with Juan de Borbón. The PSOE leaned towards democratic socialism (1948-1950), embracing a form of anti-communist opposition. The opposition remained divided, exiled, and underground.

Monarchy

In 1945, Juan de Borbón issued the Spanish Manifesto from Lausanne, denouncing alignment with the Axis powers and urging Franco to restore the monarchy. Franco responded strategically. Amid international isolation, on June 6, 1947, the Law of Succession established the monarchy as the form of government. Spain was defined as a “Catholic, social, and representative” state.

The Succession Act, submitted to a referendum, received widespread support. Franco continued as Head of State until his death. The law created the Regency Council and the Council of the Realm:

  • Regency Council: Assumed the Head of State’s powers in case of vacancy. It could be led by the senior captain, the President of the Courts, or the most senior prelate.
  • Council of the Realm: Served a purely advisory role. The future king had to swear to the principles of the movement.

External Isolation and Breakdown

The creation of the United Nations in 1945 was not favorable for Franco’s regime. World leaders gathered in San Francisco without Spain, deciding that no Axis-aligned country would be admitted to the UN. On December 12, 1946, the UN Assembly recommended that Spain be excluded from international organizations and that ambassadors be withdrawn (only Portugal, Ireland, Switzerland, and the Vatican remained).

However, from 1947, the situation changed due to two factors:

  1. Western powers faced conflicts over political and economic interests.
  2. The Cold War (Korean War, etc.) necessitated a new international policy. The conflict between the West and the USSR was indirect, avoiding direct confrontation and nuclear weapons.

Ideological considerations gave way to US strategic interests. The West realized Spain’s strategic importance. By 1949, a dozen countries had re-established diplomatic relations with Spain. In 1953, the UN General Assembly registered six votes (from Latin American countries) for Spain’s entry into the organization.