Franco’s Spain: Characteristics, Ideology, and Social Support
The Foundations of Franquism
Characteristics of the Regime
- Lack of Constitution: The state was governed by a series of Fundamental Laws.
- Limited Rights and Freedoms: Scarce recognition of individual rights and freedoms.
- Single Union: Vertical Union, uniting owners and workers, organized by sectors or corporations.
- Single Party: Movimiento Nacional, based on Falange, led by Franco, including male and female sections, and encompassing groups opposed to the Republic.
- Control of Powers: Franco held the positions
19th Century Revolutions, Unification, and American Expansion
19th Century Revolutions
The revolutions of the 19th century were largely reactions against the restoration of the Ancien Régime and the return to absolutism. Key ideologies driving these revolutions included:
- Liberalism: Advocated for national sovereignty, constitutional monarchy, separation of powers, limited suffrage, and freedoms of association, expression, and religion.
- Nationalism: Emphasized national sovereignty, independent nation-states, and a shared history, language, and culture among the
Key Concepts: Acculturation, Imperialism, and World War I Terms
Acculturation and Imperialism: Key Definitions
Acculturation
Modification of a culture as a result of contact with another culture.
Berlin Conference
Conference that established rules for the colonization of Africa by Europeans.
Boer Wars
Wars fought in South Africa between British and Dutch settlers (1880-1881) and (1899-1902).
Boxer Rebellion
Chinese uprising against foreign influence in China.
Colony
A country or region that is exploited and governed by another country.
Exploitation
The use of something
Read MoreFirst and Third Carlist Wars: Impact on the Basque Country
First Carlist War (1833-1840)
The main reasons for the war were a succession problem and tensions between liberalism and absolutism. It started with the appointment of a successor. Ferdinand VII invalidated the Salic Law and substituted the Pragmatic Sanction, naming his daughter Isabella as Queen. When Ferdinand VII died, two groups formed:
- Absolutists (supporting Carlos Maria Isidro)
- Liberals (supporting Isabella)
Isabella was only 3 years old, so Maria Cristina assumed the regency. The claim of Carlos
Read MoreCivil War Origins and Uprising: 1936 Spain
Origins of the Spanish Civil War: 1936
The origins of the Spanish Civil War can be traced to the deteriorating living conditions that followed the electoral victory of the Popular Front. The spring of 1936 was marked by clashes between right-wing organizations and leftist groups, who engaged in open struggle in the streets and universities. These confrontations, often involving militias and the Falange, created an escalation of violence that the government was unable to control.
The unrest also reached
Read MoreArmed Peace, World War I, and Interwar Europe
Armed Peace (1890-1914)
The period from 1890 to 1914 is known as the “Armed Peace.” It was characterized by the division of European powers into two opposing blocs:
- Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy
- Triple Entente: France, Russia, and Great Britain
This division was fueled by an intense arms race and several underlying tensions:
- Germany’s ambition to become a major European power, putting it at odds with Great Britain and France.
- The Austro-Hungarian and Russian rivalry over influence