The Franco Regime: History, Politics, and Economy

Posted on Oct 22, 2024 in History

The Franco Regime in Spain

Comparison with Other Dictatorial Regimes

The Franco regime shared similarities with other dictatorial regimes, particularly with German Nazism and Italian Fascism. Initially, Franco’s regime had much in common with European fascism, but after World War II, the fascist elements weakened. The regime’s evolution was a result of adapting to internal and external changes imposed by the postwar era.

The Blue Period (1939-1945)

The years coinciding with World War II (1939-1945) are known as the Blue Period. During this time, the regime closely aligned with fascism, with the government primarily composed of military and Falangist members. Characteristics of this period include:

  1. Fascist State Model: Legislation was enacted to suppress opposition, including retroactive laws from 1940. The Vertical Union was created to eliminate labor conflicts and class struggle by forcibly integrating employers and employees. Youth organizations were established for indoctrination, and politics and religion were integrated into compulsory education in 1943. A social security system was implemented, covering sickness, maternity, disability, and accidents. Vertical and union-based youth organizations were also formed.
  2. Fundamental Laws: These laws replaced the Constitution and served as the foundation of the government’s authority.
  3. Single-Party Rule: The government established a single party, the National Movement, suppressing political freedoms.
  4. Rigid Centralism: Nationalism was suppressed, leading to the abolition of the Statute of Catalonia and Euskadi.
  5. Concentration of Power: Political and military power was concentrated in Franco’s hands.
  6. Executive and Legislative Power: Franco held the positions of Head of State, Head of Government, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and President of the Government. He had the authority to enact legal standards and laws.

The regime consolidated power by unifying various groups and parties that supported the uprising. In 1937, the Decree of Unification merged the Falangists, Carlists, and other forces into the National Movement. Franco’s attempt to establish a fascist system under the Spanish Falange was unsuccessful due to his lack of personal authority and the army’s greater influence compared to the party.

Franco’s Relationship with Catholicism

The Civil War was portrayed as a “crusade” against the secular Republic. The liberal republican constitution was replaced by a series of Basic Laws created to address internal and external needs. These laws reflected the undemocratic and autocratic nature of the regime. For example, the Labour Law established vertical unionism and prohibited strikes and labor demands.

The Constitutive Act of the Cortes

This act defined the Cortes as a legislative body but limited its powers.

Franco’s International Relations

Spain’s stance towards World War II shifted according to Franco’s interests:

  • Neutrality: Initially, Spain maintained strict neutrality.
  • Non-belligerence: With Italy’s entry into the war and the Axis powers’ military successes, Spain shifted to a non-belligerent status in 1940. This involved returning goods seized from Germany under the Treaty of Versailles.
  • Considering War Entry: Franco and Hitler held a secret meeting to discuss Spain’s potential entry into the war on the Axis side. Spain would receive economic and military aid, as well as territories in Africa, in exchange for joining the war effort.
  • Blue Division: In 1941, Franco sent the Blue Division to fight alongside German forces on the Eastern Front.
  • Return to Neutrality: After the United States entered the war, it became clear that the Axis powers were unlikely to win. Franco decided to cut aid to Germany and return to neutrality.
  • International Isolation: Following the war, Spain faced international isolation. The Allied powers agreed that Spain would not be admitted to the newly formed United Nations. The Franco regime was considered a threat to democracy, and UN members were advised to break diplomatic relations with Spain. Measures were implemented to pressure Franco into relinquishing power, including France closing its border with Spain in 1948. Spain was excluded from the Marshall Plan. Only the ambassadors of Argentina, the Vatican, and Portugal remained in Spain.

Franco Regime’s Economic Policy

Following the Civil War and facing international isolation, the Franco regime adopted autarkic policies aimed at achieving self-sufficiency. The state heavily intervened in the economy. Measures included:

  • Ruralization: Expropriated lands were returned, and efforts were made to increase agricultural production.
  • Import Limitations: Imports were restricted, with exceptions for cotton, oil, and rubber.
  • Production and Distribution Control: The government controlled the production and distribution of cereals.
  • Rationing System: A rationing system was implemented for essential consumer goods to prevent famine.

The impact of these autarkic policies included:

  • Decreased Income: Per capita income declined.
  • Industrial Decline: Industrial production fell due to shortages of raw materials, capital, machinery, and technology.
  • High Inflation: Inflation soared as the government printed money to finance its debt.