Spain Under Franco: Economic Boom & Basque Resistance
Spain Under Franco (1939-1975)
The Opus Dei and Economic Liberalization (1959-1975)
Over the years, Franco’s Falangist regime prioritized weakening the power of the technocrats, giving preference to Opus Dei. The technocrats created the Stabilization Plan in 1959 to replace the autarkic economy with a more open and private initiative-based system.
Economic Boom (1960-1975)
The 1959 Stabilization Plan was a success. The economy experienced an average annual growth of 7%. Most sectors of the financial
Read MoreThe Crown of Aragon & Spanish History: Expansion, Unification & Beyond
The Expansion of the Crown of Aragon in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea was a significant area of influence for the Crown of Aragon for several reasons, including territorial expansion, managing the Almogavars (mercenary soldiers), and finding new trade routes for Catalan and Valencian merchants. From the late 12th century until the mid-15th century, the Aragonese monarchs pursued a policy of expansion in the Mediterranean. They annexed the Balearic Islands, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Kingdom
Read MorePolitical Organization of Castile and Aragon
Castile
During the 14th and 15th centuries, royal authority in Castile strengthened at the expense of the nobility. This led to the dissemination of political theories based on Roman law, which defended the king’s absolute supremacy and established the doctrine of the king as the rightful ruler of his subjects.
Main institutions of statehood:
- The Courts: Officially merged in Castile and Leon in 1188, the Courts represented the nobility, the clergy, and some cities. Convened by the king, their primary
The Second Spanish Republic: A Tumultuous Journey
1.2. Stages of the Second Spanish Republic
The actions of the various political parties unfolded throughout the different stages of the Second Spanish Republic, alternating in power and influence.
1.2.1. First Stage: Provisional Government (1931)
A provisional government, chaired by Niceto Alcalá Zamora, a conservative Republican, was formed. It comprised a coalition of centrist and right-wing political forces, along with some socialists, but excluded the PCE (Communist Party of Spain) and Esquerra
Read MoreFrancoist Spain: Ideology and Social Supports
Item 21: The Franco Regime (1939-1975)
Basics, Ideological and Social Supports
1. Introduction
On April 1, 1939, the Spanish Civil War ended with the establishment of a military dictatorship led by Francisco Franco. Republicans faced exile, imprisonment in concentration camps, or deconcentration. The Franco regime lasted until 1975, undergoing significant evolution throughout its long tenure. Franco adapted his policies to both domestic and international circumstances, navigating the aftermath of World
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: Organization, Revolution, and International Impact
The Organization of the War
Chaos, Fragmentation, and Collapse of Authority
The Republican government, led by Quiroga, was dismantled by the rebel coup, leaving them isolated. Governmental authority collapsed, with the army and police unable to establish centralized control. Territorial officials, administrative officers, and local government ministries disappeared, creating confusion and dissolution. Potential political parties and worker unions, responsible for the general strike—the first step
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