Spain Under Franco: Regime, Opposition, and Transformation (1939-1959)
Spain Under Franco (1939-1959)
1. Foundations of the Franco Regime
Ideological Basis
- Falangism of Convenience: Principles derived from fascism, adopted out of necessity rather than conviction.
- Religious Fundamentalism: The regime embraced and enforced Catholic principles throughout the state.
- Authoritarianism: Militaristic control permeated all aspects of life.
- Spanish Nationalism: A vision of a unified and powerful Spain, rejecting autonomy.
- National Syndicalism: A blend of socialist and capitalist principles governing labor relations.
- Single-Party System: Mandatory affiliation with the FET de las JONS.
- Organic Democracy: Representation based on bodies like family, church, and army, rather than individual votes.
Social Basis
- The Army: Remained largely loyal throughout the period.
- Political Parties: The Falange (fascist) and the Carlists (traditionalist).
- The Church: Aligned with Franco, enjoying privileges in education and finance.
- Other Social Groups: Landowners, industrialists, and sections of the middle class and apolitical working class.
Legal Basis
- Labour Law (1938): Defined workers’ rights under the single union structure.
- Courts Act (1942): Implemented the concept of organic democracy.
- Jurisdiction of the Spanish (1945): A pseudo-constitution lacking popular legitimacy.
- Referendum Act (1945): Regulated public participation, but without genuine democratic choice.
- Succession Act (1949): Declared Spain a monarchy, granting Franco the power to choose his successor.
- Law on Principles of National Movement (1958): Established the single-party system.
- Organic Law of the State (1966): Organized the structure of the state.
2. Economy and Society
The Forties (Post-War Period)
Characterized by autarkic economic policies driven by war devastation and international isolation. This led to widespread famine, mitigated by rationing. The emergence of a black market for smuggled goods exacerbated the situation. The housing problem intensified in industrialized areas, leading to the proliferation of slums (chabolismo). Social control and ideological repression were rampant, with intellectuals associated with the Republican side targeted. Basic rights were suppressed.
The Fifties (The ‘Opening’)
A shift away from autarky began. The Law on Economic Liberation (1951) aimed to address the economic crisis. This led to increased per capita income, electricity production, and agricultural recovery. However, inflation surged, social tensions rose, and weak foreign trade impacted the balance of payments. Tourism and US aid partially offset these challenges. The entry of “technocrats” from Opus Dei into the government marked a significant shift in economic policy.
International Recognition
In 1953, Spain signed agreements with the United States for mutual defense and economic aid. A concordat with the Vatican solidified the regime’s relationship with the Church. Spain’s admission to the UN in 1955 further enhanced its international standing.
3. The Opposition
The Forties
Repression of all opposition was widespread. Exile became a common fate for many, including the Spanish, Catalan, and Basque governments. Within Spain, the “communist guerrillas” (maquis) posed a limited challenge but were quickly suppressed. Strikes in Vizcaya in 1947 were swiftly met with repression.
The Fifties
Worker strikes, often organized by the clandestine union CCOO, continued. Universities became centers of dissent, challenging the regime’s control through its university union (SEU). The emergence of ETA marked a new phase in Basque nationalism. The international recognition of the Franco regime weakened the opposition abroad.