Spain’s 60s: Economic Boom & Social Change Under Franco
Spain’s Transformation in the 1960s
Economic Growth and Modernization
During the 1960s, Spain experienced significant economic growth and societal modernization. Two factors fueled this expansion:
- Industrial Growth: Production increased at rates exceeding 7% annually.
- Expansion of Services: Tourism became a major economic activity.
Agricultural modernization through mechanization increased production while reducing labor needs. Foreign investment, attracted by low wages and taxes, further boosted growth. Tourism and remittances from emigrants also contributed. However, this growth was uneven, concentrated mainly along the Mediterranean coast, the Basque Country, and Madrid, despite government development plans aimed at industrializing poorer regions.
Demographic Shifts and Urbanization
Economic change led to a sharp population increase of three and a half million, driven by the baby boom and declining rural mortality. A rural exodus saw four million people migrate to cities seeking work in the expanding industrial and service sectors. Spain rapidly urbanized, but cities struggled to accommodate the influx of newcomers, leading to the growth of slums and inadequate infrastructure. This urban strain resulted in approximately two million Spaniards emigrating to other European countries.
Social Modernization, Political Stagnation
Economic expansion improved living standards, giving rise to a consumer society. Items like televisions, cars, and appliances became popular among the growing middle class. New economic activities demanded skilled professionals, leading to an expansion of education. The arrival of tourists with more liberal values, coupled with economic changes, fostered demands for greater freedom and increased female workforce participation. The influence of the Catholic Church also declined.
The Franco regime responded by slightly moderating its repressive practices, including eliminating prior censorship with the 1966 Press Law. However, the dictatorship remained firmly in place.
Key Terms
- Baby Boom:
- A period of five to ten years marked by a significant increase in birth rates.
- Foreign Investment:
- Capital from abroad invested domestically.