Spain Under Franco: From Totalitarianism to Technocracy
Spain Under Franco’s Rule
From the time Franco seized power during the Spanish Civil War, he embarked on creating a new totalitarian state. This state, a blend of military dictatorship and traditional Church influence, incorporated elements of Italian Fascism, concentrating all power in Franco.
Establishment of the Franco Regime
This new state emerged from victory in the war and the suppression of all opposition until Franco’s death in 1975. The regime’s establishment began with Franco’s appointment as Head of State on October 1, 1936. This was followed by the formation of a single party, FET y de las JONS, led by Franco. The process culminated with the formation of his first government in early 1938, which began enacting legislation reflecting the new state ideology.
Francoist Ideology
Ideologically, this new state diverged from traditional democratic ideals. Franco drew upon Falangist ideas and the unparliamentary conservatism of traditional Catholicism to reject Republican reformism and combat liberalism, communism, separatism, and anti-Catholicism. A speech commemorating the National Uprising on July 18, 1938 (Document 1), exemplifies these ideas. It highlights the perceived communist threat to Spanish culture, the rejection of class struggle and separatism, and the promotion of Falangist principles. These principles envisioned a unified, strong, centralized Spain, guided by Catholic doctrines and National Catholicism, under Franco’s leadership.
Totalitarian Structure
This ideology rested on a totalitarian structure with the following key elements:
- Head of State: Franco held absolute power, controlling both executive and legislative branches, and was designated Spain’s leader.
- Single Party: FET de las JONS (Falange).
- Vertical Labor Union: Compulsory membership was enforced.
- Limited Courts: Their role was primarily advisory in drafting laws.
Franco’s regime relied on the support of various social groups, or “families,” including the army, Church, Falange, economic powers, and Franco himself. He strategically managed these groups, playing them against each other to maintain control.
The Blue Phase (1936-1945)
Until 1945, the Franco regime was fundamentally totalitarian, marked by National Unionism. To consolidate his power, Franco relied on the Falange and the military, implemented fascist ideas, and carried out extensive repression.
World War II and International Relations
Internationally, Franco navigated the complexities of World War II. Initially neutral, he later shifted to “non-belligerence,” cooperating with Germany while avoiding direct involvement. He met with Hitler and Mussolini, but Spain ultimately did not formally join the war. The Blue Division, a volunteer force, fought on the Russian front until Spain returned to neutrality in 1943.
Internal Shifts
Domestically, Franco began distancing himself from the Falange, seeking to curb its influence. Incidents like the Begoña attack in 1943 allowed him to replace hardline Falangists with more compliant individuals. This marked a shift towards National Catholicism.
National Catholicism (1945-1959)
Adapting to the changing international landscape after Germany’s defeat, Franco introduced the Charter of the Spanish and the National Referendum Act in 1945. He also shifted his focus to Catholicism, seeking to mitigate international isolation. However, the UN condemned the regime and imposed sanctions.
Franco eventually overcame this isolation through Catholic policies and an alliance with the U.S. during the Cold War. This led to the 1953 Spanish-American agreements and Spain’s entry into the UN in 1955. In 1958, he promulgated the National Movement’s Fundamental Principles, solidifying the regime’s ideological foundations.
Economic Policies
Economically, post-war Spain faced destruction and capital shortages, exacerbated by World War II and international isolation. Franco implemented an autarkic policy, aiming for self-sufficiency. This policy, outlined in Document 2, involved controlling foreign trade, developing national industries, and promoting agriculture. However, these policies resulted in backwardness, stagnation, and widespread shortages.
Economic recovery eventually came through international aid and the end of the blockade. American assistance, coupled with a favorable agricultural harvest, allowed Spain to overcome its economic difficulties. This paved the way for the Technocratic phase (1959-1975), led by Opus Dei figures, which provided Franco with the financial stability to maintain power until his death in 1975.