Franco’s Dictatorship: Origins, Evolution, and Cold War Impact
Franco’s Dictatorship (1939-1975): A Historical Overview
The dictatorship of Francisco Franco Bahamonde lasted nearly forty years (1939-1975), evolving significantly throughout its history. Franco’s regime consolidated all powers, controlling the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. He was also the commander-in-chief of the army. The only legal party was FET y JONS. Rights and freedoms were suppressed, and all nationalist movements were rejected.
The dictatorship was backed by social sectors
Read MoreRise of Socialism and Labor Movements in the 19th Century
Socialism and the Labor Movement in the 19th Century
Utopian Socialism
Utopian socialists experimented with cooperative models to demonstrate the effectiveness of their proposals. They condemned the moral effects of capitalism but didn’t analyze its underlying causes. Key figures include:
- Comte de Saint-Simon, advocate of state-directed planning.
- Charles Fourier, creator of communal model (phalansteries).
- Robert Owen, who laid the foundations of the cooperative movement.
Marxism
Developed by Karl Marx
Read MoreBiennium Reform in Spain (1931-1933): Social, Educational, and Military Changes
Biennium Reform (1931-1933)
The period between December 1931 and September 1933 is called the Biennium Reform. During this period, a government presided over by Azaña, composed mainly of Left Republicans and Socialists, pushed a program of widening and deepening the reforms initiated during the Provisional Government. These reforms were considered essential to modernize society and the state. Some of these measures conflicted with the interests of privileged groups (Church, Army, and landowners)
Read MoreSpanish Transition: Rise of Opposition & End of Franco’s Regime
Opposition to Franco’s Regime
Opposition to Franco’s regime grew within Spain and across Europe. Democratic nations rejected Francoism, while within Spain, new opposition forces emerged. These were not primarily Republican, but rather parties advocating for democracy. Anarchists played a minimal role, and Republicans had limited representation. However, the ERC held significant influence, and the PCE, backed by the USSR, was paramount. In Catalonia, the PSUC gained traction. Right-wing opposition
Read MoreUnderstanding the Spanish Civil War: A Concise History
The Outbreak of the Spanish Civil War
The military uprising began in Melilla, Tetuan, and Ceuta on July 17, 1936. The following day, it spread throughout Spain, gaining traction particularly in rural areas while failing in more industrialized regions. Within the country, the rebels were supported by conservative military factions, landowners, the gentry, monarchists, Carlists, and many Catholics. Conversely, the Republicans had the backing of progressive military personnel, landless peasants, the
Read MoreDemocratic Spain: Governments, Terrorism, and Global Role
Democratic Spain
The Transition is considered to have ended in 1982. The elections of that year marked the beginning of two-party politics (the PSOE and the PP). This lasted until the 2015 elections, when new parties, such as Ciudadanos, Unidas Podemos, and VOX, gained significant support.
Governments Between 1982 and 2022
- In 1982, the PSOE won the elections, and Felipe González became prime minister. The welfare state was expanded, communications and transport were improved, the army was reformed,