The Impact of Franco’s Dictatorship on Spain’s History
Franco took control of Spain from the moment he won the war until his death. This government was a forty-year dictatorship following a three-year war that devastated the country.
In the 1960s, the “economic miracle” brought welfare (a very good situation), but with the economic development, citizens began mobilizing to demand more freedom. The Franquist government’s response was to intensify repression.
Ultimately, Franquism entered a period of decline as Franco’s life was coming to an end.
Franquisim
Read MoreFrench Revolution & Napoleonic Era: Impact & Legacy
The French Revolution and Napoleonic Empire: Impact and Legacy
Foreign Policy: Napoleon extended his empire in Europe, defeating Austria, Prussia, and Russia. However, he could not defeat Britain, which he subjected to the Continental Blockade. In 1813, his troops were defeated at the Battle of Leipzig. He was banished but returned to power during the Empire of the Hundred Days. He was finally defeated at Waterloo in 1815 and exiled to St. Helena Island.
Implications of the French Revolution and the
Read MoreSpain’s Economic Crisis and the 1978 Constitution
An unsustainable economic situation arose, characterized by 20% inflation, a 10% annual increase in unemployment, and a growing external deficit. Industrial production declined due to rising manufacturing costs, high oil prices, and an over-reliance on industries with limited technological advancement, such as steel, shipbuilding, and transport.
Attempts to increase production capacity to alleviate the situation only worsened it. The Instituto Nacional de Industria (INI) took over private companies
Read MoreThe Rise of Nazi Germany: From Post-War Crisis to Totalitarian State
Post-War Crisis
Two fundamental factors marked the first postwar years: the excessive harshness of the Versailles Treaty, by which Germany was treated as the sole culprit of the First World War, and peace terms that forced Germany to pay very high financial reparations. Harsh land concessions were imposed; much of Germany was divided between France, Belgium, and Poland. Politicians of the new Weimar Republic were considered traitors for having accepted the conditions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.
Read MorePrimo de Rivera’s Civil Directory: Policy, Opposition & Fall
Primo de Rivera’s Civil Directory (1925-1930)
In December 1925, Miguel Primo de Rivera suggested to King Alfonso XIII that the Military Directory be replaced by a civilian government, marking the beginning of the Civil Directory period.
A National Consultative Assembly was convened in 1927. It consisted of 400 members, elected by limited suffrage, and was charged with drafting a new constitution. This proposed constitution outlined a state lacking national sovereignty and separation of powers. It
Read MoreDecline of Dictatorship and Monarchy in 1920s Spain
Economic and Social Policy
Economic Policies
The dictatorship prioritized economic benefits, mirroring the Roaring Twenties. The government supported public works and enacted decrees to protect domestic industry. However, state enterprises struggled to compete with foreign entities. Monopolies, such as Telefónica, were granted, and CAMPSA was awarded oil distribution and sales, leading to state indebtedness.
Social Policies
The dictatorship introduced a labor regulation model aimed at eliminating social
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