Franco’s Spain (1959-1975): Political & Socio-Economic Transformation
Item 11: The Second Franco (1959-1975)
Political Developments
Stage 1: Late Francoism (1959-1973)
Features: Vestiges of Falangists disappeared, and political dominance shifted to Opus Dei technocrats. The regime modernized to ensure continuity.
Evolution:
- 1962: Franco reshuffled ministers, favoring technocrats, and appointed Agustín Muñoz Grandes as vice president.
- 1966-1967: The new Organic Law of the State was approved, separating Head of State and President of the Government, settling the monarchy,
19th Century Spanish Economic Transformation: Agriculture, Secularization, and Industry
Economic Developments in 19th Century Spain
The Spanish population increased throughout the period, although less than in most developed countries. Declining mortality and a high birth rate explain this trend. Most of the population (est. 80% in 1865) remained rural.
Agricultural Reforms
Agriculture underwent a profound reform based on the abolition of the seigneurial regime, the abolition of primogeniture, and the great confiscations of Mendizabal and Madoz. This liberalized agriculture, allowing
Read MoreDecolonization and Conflicts in the Arab World and Maghreb
Decolonization in the Arab World
The Middle East, a vast territory stretching from Egypt to Iran and from Turkey to Yemen, faced significant political conflicts and economic interests in oil reserves after World War II.
Post-Ottoman Empire
- Independent States: Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Egypt (with British military presence at the Suez Canal).
- International Protectorates: Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine, under British and French supervision.
The 1947 UN proposal to partition Palestine into two states (Jewish
Read MoreReign of Charles IV, Napoleonic Invasion, and Spanish Resistance
1.1. The Monarchy of Charles IV
Charles IV withdrew from governing ministers and, in 1792, illustrated the power entrusted to a young soldier, Manuel Godoy. The execution of French King Louis XVI prompted Charles IV to declare war on France in coalition with other absolute monarchies. The Peace of Basel subordinated Spain to French interests. Since the rise to power of Napoleon Bonaparte, Spanish policy vacillated between fear of France and attempts to appease it to avoid confrontation. Partnerships
Read MoreEarly American History: From Columbus to 18th Century Transformations
America from Discovery to 1598
Columbus’s Voyages
The Genoese Columbus, based in Portugal, planned a western route to India to save time. The Portuguese King rejected his proposal, but he secured support from the Catholic Monarchs of Castile. After initial setbacks, Columbus signed the Capitulations of Santa Fe, gaining titles of admiral, viceroy, and governor, along with 10% of the profits. With three ships—the Niña, the Pinta, and the flagship Santa María—and about 100 men, including the Pinzón
Read MoreUnderstanding the Spanish Civil War: A Comprehensive Analysis
Item 16: Spanish Civil War
1. The Military Revolt: The Genesis
a) The Rebels
The armed forces were divided before the uprising. A group of generals, mainly from the middle strata of the officer corps, led the revolt, seizing control in many garrisons. Civilians from various right-wing political parties collaborated in planning and executing the coup. Their social base was diverse: the traditional oligarchy, seeking to protect their interests threatened by the Popular Front government, and rising middle-
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