Spain Under Franco’s Regime: Economic Growth and Social Unrest in the 1960s
Spain in the 1960s: Economic Boom and Growing Opposition
Economic Development and Urbanization
The 1960s in Spain were marked by significant economic growth, fueled by the success of the 1959 Development Plan. During this period (1960-1969), Spain’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita income doubled, bringing the country closer to the economic standards of other European nations.
Factors Contributing to Economic Growth:
- Favorable International Economic Climate: The global economy was experiencing a period of growth, which benefited Spain.
- Foreign Investment: Attracted by a cheap labor force, foreign capital flowed into Spain, boosting industrial development.
- Tourism Boom: Spain became a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors with its attractions and affordable prices. This influx of tourists generated substantial revenue.
- Available Labor Force: A readily available workforce facilitated the establishment and growth of companies.
- Government Spending on Public Works: Investments in infrastructure projects further stimulated economic activity.
Challenges of Unbalanced Growth:
Despite the economic progress, this period of rapid growth, often referred to as the “Spanish Miracle,” was not without its drawbacks. The growth was unevenly distributed, leading to several issues:
- Sectoral Imbalances: While industry and the service sector flourished, agriculture lagged behind.
- Rural Exodus: The allure of industrial jobs in cities triggered a massive migration from rural areas, leading to urban overcrowding and a decline in agricultural production.
- Limited Social Welfare: Public services such as healthcare, pensions, and transportation remained underdeveloped.
- Unfair Taxation: An unjust tax system allowed wealthy individuals to evade their fair share, exacerbating income inequality.
Foreign Relations: Spain’s Bid to Join the European Market
The formation of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 piqued Spain’s interest. While the Franco regime publicly downplayed the significance of the EEC, there was a clear internal desire, particularly within the influential Opus Dei movement, to join the European bloc, believing it would be beneficial for Spain.
In 1962, the Spanish government formally applied for membership in the EEC. However, the application was rejected due to Spain’s non-democratic political system.
Rising Opposition: New Social Movements Emerge
As Spain’s economy grew, so did the desire for political change. The country witnessed the emergence of various opposition groups demanding democracy and an end to Franco’s authoritarian rule.
Key Opposition Movements and Events:
- Munich Conference (1962): Approximately 100 opposition figures convened in Munich, Germany, issuing a declaration condemning the lack of democracy in Spain. Franco, despite the Communist Party’s absence from the meeting, labeled it a Marxist conspiracy.
- Labor Unrest: The 1960s saw a surge in strikes and worker protests. Workers, infiltrating the government-controlled vertical unions, began voicing their demands for better working conditions and labor rights. The Workers’ Commissions (CCOO), established in 1962, emerged as a powerful force, particularly in large industries.
- Catholic Church Dissent: Even within the Catholic Church, traditionally a staunch supporter of the regime, voices of dissent emerged. The Bishops’ Assembly criticized the Francoist union structure and advocated for free trade unions. This marked a significant shift in the Church’s stance.
- Rise of Nationalism: Nationalist sentiments, particularly in regions like the Basque Country, intensified. ETA, a Basque separatist group advocating for independence, was founded in 1959.
Franco’s Response: Political Inflexibility and Repression
Franco remained resistant to democratic reforms, preferring to maintain his grip on power. He responded to the growing opposition with increased repression and attempts to further entrench his authoritarian system.
Key Measures Taken by the Regime:
- Law of Public Order (1959): This law was enacted to suppress dissent and target opponents of the regime. It led to the creation of the Tribunal for Public Order (TOP), a special court with jurisdiction over political crimes. Political activists, including leaders of banned political parties and unions, faced harsh sentences, universities were subject to closures, and imprisonment became a common tool of repression.
- Organic Law of the State (1966): This law, intended to provide a façade of democracy, actually concentrated political control within Franco’s regime. It placed all political rights under the authority of the “Movement,” effectively outlawing universal suffrage and rejecting liberalism, parliamentarianism, and the existence of other political parties.
The Waning Years of the Dictatorship (1969-1975)
The late 1960s and early 1970s witnessed a deepening of the crises confronting the Franco regime. The desire for freedom and democratic change intensified, with calls for reform extending beyond economic issues to encompass fundamental political rights.
Growing Momentum for Change:
- Strengthening Opposition: Banned unions gained strength, pushing for greater labor and political freedoms. Strikes became increasingly common as workers grew bolder in their demands.
- Shifting Church Dynamics: The Church’s relationship with the state continued to deteriorate. The 1973 attempt to revise the 1953 Concordat further highlighted the growing divide. Several priests faced imprisonment for their activism and support of social justice causes, further distancing the Church from the regime.
- The Burgos Trials (1970): The trial of ETA members in Burgos, accused of terrorist attacks, became a focal point of opposition. The trial, which sought the death penalty for six defendants, sparked widespread protests and strikes across Spain. Even the Catholic Church pleaded for clemency. The regime’s harsh response, including the declaration of a state of emergency and further restrictions on civil liberties, backfired, generating sympathy for the Basque cause and further tarnishing Franco’s image both domestically and internationally.
By the early 1970s, it was evident that the Franco regime, facing mounting internal and external pressures, was nearing its end. The desire for democracy had taken root, setting the stage for Spain’s eventual transition to a democratic state following Franco’s death in 1975.