Spain’s Transformation: Franco Era to Democracy
Demographic and Economic Shifts Post-Franco
Improving living conditions led to an increase in the birth rate and a decrease in mortality. The outcome was a sharp increase in population. In Catalonia, the most important component was the arrival of many immigrants from mainland areas, such as Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castilla-La Mancha. An additional two million Spaniards emigrated abroad to countries where labor was needed, such as France, Germany, and Switzerland. Agricultural mechanization and industrialization resulted in a drastic decrease in the rural population and significant urban population growth dedicated to manufacturing and services. Modernizing the economy also originated a growing middle class. Tourism, open borders, and travel to other countries allowed Spaniards to make contact with the outside world.
The new orientation was reflected in new political and economic laws: the Basic Law of Security proclaimed the right of workers to Spanish social security, the Press Law, a law on religious freedom, and the General Education Law.
Repression, Resistance, and Social Unrest
Dozens of people were tortured, assassinated, and imprisoned because of their political activity. President Lluis Companys was executed, and Catalan culture was repressed. Resistance groups were initiated and formed, such as “resistance fighters.” Organizations on the left of the CNT were dismantled by the communists. The PSUC managed to organize, gain strength, and become more active in opposition. Socialists created the new party of the Socialist Movement of Catalonia from the POUM. Later, the country’s industrialization and growth in the number of wage workers increased unrest. In these strikes, the Workers’ Commissions union was constituted, starring in the trade union struggle. Within the Catholic Church, dissident groups against Franco were born. The student movement took power and confronted the Franco regime. There was a notable resurgence of Catalanism. The Assembly of Catalonia brought together all democratic opposition forces with four fundamental claims: freedom, amnesty, autonomy, and solidarity with other peoples.
Transition to Democracy
A shift began in the economy of Western countries. The oil crisis ended the period of growth and prosperity and inaugurated a time of profound economic recession. Carrero Blanco was assassinated by ETA, which was a blow to Franco. Immobilists defended the maintenance of Francoism intact even after the dictator’s death. Aperturistas were committed to a process of progressive reform. A new government was founded, headed by Carlos Arias Navarro. The anti-Francoists were coordinating unitary boards: the Democratic Platform and the Democratic Convergence Platform, and said they would not accept any changes that did not involve freedom. Catalonia created the Political Council of Catalonia. Franco died in 1975. Juan Carlos I swore his position as King of Spain and hinted at his willingness to promote political change. He proved incapable of carrying out any democratic reform, and the King forced his resignation. Adolfo Suarez, an aperturist politician, was appointed Prime Minister, who began to dismantle Francoism. The government agreed to a reform for the opposition. A law was passed for political reform, transforming the Francoist courts.