The Spanish Civil War and Franco’s Regime

Posted on Oct 26, 2024 in History

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

Foreign Intervention

Foreign intervention played a crucial role in the development of the war. The Republic attempted to involve the League of Nations against Italy and Germany’s direct intervention, but faced delays and ultimately a lack of implementation. France and the UK prohibited the sale of military equipment to Spain, aiming to prevent the internationalization of the conflict and indirectly aid the Republic by hindering arms deliveries to the rebels. However, this effort failed. France became a haven for exiles. The U.S., interpreting the war as an advance of communism, adopted a non-interventionist policy and banned arms sales, despite large companies supplying Franco’s army.

Aid to the Rebels

• Germany: Offered decisive aid early on, both for strategic reasons and to test their military capabilities. Germany was instrumental in the bombing of Guernica, but did not achieve the personal success Mussolini sought. They primarily provided military trainers and financial assistance.
• Italy: Provided significant manpower and economic assistance. Mussolini’s support was immediate, signing a treaty with the Burgos government, hoping for gains in his Mediterranean ambitions.
• Portugal: Offered minor contributions, including volunteers, territory for military operations, and weapons.

Aid to the Republic

As a democratic regime, the Republic should have received support from Western democracies. However, only the Soviet Union and Mexico provided decisive aid.

• Soviet Union: Began support in October 1936, providing consistent men and material throughout the war. However, their demand for upfront payment forced the Republic to send its gold reserves to the USSR.
• Mexico: Supported the Republic from the beginning, with President Lázaro Cárdenas sending municipalities and rifles from the Mexican army.
• International Brigades: Formed by volunteers who chose to fight against fascism despite their governments’ non-intervention policies. Mostly leftist men, intellectuals, unemployed, or uprooted individuals from the U.S., Canada, France, Britain, etc. Their contribution focused on defending Madrid and Guadalajara. They left Spain in 1938 before the inevitable Republican defeat.

Consequences of the War

The Spanish Civil War had a devastating impact, both human and material.

• Economics: Agricultural and industrial production plummeted, homes were destroyed, and the road network was severely damaged. Spain lost a significant portion of its gold reserves, and Franco’s government incurred debt to Germany and Italy.
• Human Cost: The death toll may have exceeded 300,000, including those killed at the front and in the rear. Many were executed, and thousands imprisoned after the war. Exile became a choice for many, leading to a loss of scholars and scientists.
• Social Impact: The war deeply fractured Spanish society, making post-war reconciliation challenging.
• Political Outcome: The immediate consequence was the establishment of Franco’s military dictatorship, which lasted nearly forty years. Spain remained isolated from Western democracies after World War II.

Franco’s Regime: Ideological Foundations and Characteristics

Following the civil war, a new regime emerged, drawing on various ideologies, including elements of fascism. However, these elements were largely symbolic. Franco’s ideas were rooted in military and traditionalist thinking: national unity, order, hierarchy, Catholicism, and a strong rejection of communism and leftist associations. Guided by his brother-in-law Serrano Suñer, Franco established a system with the following characteristics:

• Personal Power: Franco, as head of state, government, single party, and military, held absolute power, accountable only to “God and history.”
• Suppression of Liberties: Civil liberties, including rights of association and assembly, were revoked. Political parties were banned, and those supporting the uprising were integrated into a single party: the Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS. Franco became its national leader.
• Vertical Unionism: Unions and strikes were banned, replaced by a state-controlled system grouping workers and employers.
• Control of Information: Censorship and propaganda were used to promote the regime’s principles.
• Repression: Supporters of the Republic faced systematic repression through laws like the Political Responsibility Act (1939) and the Law on Suppression of Freemasonry and Communism (1940).
• Institutional Order: Organic laws like the Labour Law (1938), the Charter of the Spanish (1945), and the Law of the Courts established the new institutional framework.
• Succession: The regime aimed for continuity through a succession law, declaring Spain a kingdom without a king, with Franco as head of state. After negotiations, it was agreed that Juan Carlos, son of Don Juan de Borbón, would eventually succeed Franco.

Social and Political Context

The regime relied on the army and the Church, which received significant material support in exchange for its endorsement. The regime also enjoyed support from the economic oligarchy and sectors of the middle class who feared social unrest. Autarky, a system of economic self-sufficiency, was adopted, leading to international isolation, economic stagnation, and widespread shortages. A black market thrived, providing essential goods at inflated prices.

From Isolation to International Recognition

During World War II, the regime remained neutral but expressed sympathy for the Axis powers. Franco sent the Blue Division to fight alongside Germany on the Eastern Front. In 1943, facing Germany’s impending defeat, Spain returned to neutrality. Post-war, the regime faced international condemnation for its fascist leanings and support of the Axis. The Potsdam Conference and the UN called for the withdrawal of ambassadors, isolating Spain. Franco introduced cosmetic changes, including the Charter of the Spanish and a pardon for political prisoners. The Cold War and Spain’s strategic importance led to a gradual improvement in relations with the U.S. Spain joined international organizations like UNESCO and the ILO. A new concordat with the Vatican provided further international recognition. In 1955, Spain joined the UN, marking the end of its isolation.

Exile and Opposition

Following the civil war, many Spaniards went into exile, primarily to France, the USSR, and Latin American countries like Mexico and Argentina. A Republican government-in-exile existed, but efforts towards reconciliation with monarchists were made. The regime also faced opposition from guerrilla groups known as the “Maquis.” In the mid-1950s, underground cells formed among students, with the events of February 1956 at the University of Madrid highlighting this new opposition. The PCE (Communist Party of Spain) advocated for “national reconciliation” to replace the Franco regime peacefully.

Political Crisis and Economic Change

The end of Spain’s isolation coincided with a political crisis. The 1956 university incidents led to a government reshuffle in 1957, bringing in more radical Falangists. However, significant changes occurred in the economic ministries, with the arrival of technocrats who favored economic liberalization, influenced by Opus Dei and European trends.