Francoist Spain: Ideology, Social Pillars, and Political Structure

Unit 10: The Creation of the Francoist State: Ideological and Social Supports

April 1, 1939, marked the final victory of Franco’s troops over the Republicans and the end of the Spanish Civil War. These events led to the establishment of a new regime: the dictatorship of General Franco. The regime evolved significantly throughout its existence. From Fascist influences in the early 1940s to the openings of the 1960s, it demonstrated an extraordinary ability to adapt to the changing international situation

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Understanding Key Political and Economic Concepts

Militarism

Militarism is an ideology that posits military force as the source of security. In its mildest form, it uses various arguments to justify military preparedness, assuming that “peace through strength” is the best or only way to achieve peace.

Tariffs

A tariff is a tax on imported or exported goods. Tariffs can be “ad valorem” (a percentage of the value) or “specific” (a set amount per unit). They are used to generate governmental income or protect domestic industries. Essentially, a tariff

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UN Resolution on Spain (1946): Franco Regime and International Isolation

This text is an excerpt from the “Resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) on relations with Spain.” It was prepared by the UN and published in New York, the organization’s main headquarters. The UN, an international institution and successor to the League of Nations, was established in San Francisco (USA) in 1945 after World War II. It emerged with the aim of implementing peace, promoting friendship among nations, and supporting the economic progress of developing countries.
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Landmark Events Shaping Modern History

International Law

International law is the collection of international agreements on legal grounds, the laws of the states, and other international law subjects represented by their supreme courts. It includes treaties, international customs, general law principles, and agreements within international organizations. States commit to enforcing these standards within their territories, prioritizing them over national standards. Traditionally, international law is divided into public and private international

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Post-WWII Europe: Soviet Influence, Cold War & Global Conflicts

Soviet Influence in Eastern Europe

After WWII, the Soviet Army occupied Eastern Europe. In Bulgaria, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Hungary, and Albania, communist governments aligned with the USSR were established. Coalitions, often including communist and socialist parties, initiated communist reforms. Albania’s Popular Front won the 1945 election. Czechoslovakia experienced a communist government takeover after the Prague coup. Bulgaria abolished its monarchy. In Poland, communists and socialists

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Argentina’s Transformation: Oligarchy to World War I Impact

Modern Argentina

Oligarchic Regime (“Conservative” Government)

Government based on an elite of notables (intellectually prepared and economically powerful).

The elite ensured its hold on power in two ways:

a) Control of Succession: Complex, involving a small group of notables (e.g., president, senators, provincial governors).

b) Electoral Fraud: Intimidation of opponents, pressure on voters, ballot manipulation, double voting, voting by the deceased, etc.

“The Generation of 80”

Concept: The group

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