The Three Stages of Franco’s Regime (1939-1959)

Posted on Oct 7, 2024 in History

First Stage (1939-1945)

This period saw Franco consolidate power, aligning with fascist powers during World War II. Key developments include:

  • Institutionalization of the ‘New State’: Franco held supreme power, controlling the state, military, and the single party, Falange.
  • Lack of Constitution, Rule by Fundamental Laws: Laws included the State Central Administration Law, the Charter of Labor (prohibiting unions), and the Constitutive Act of Parliament (a deliberative body with limited power).
  • Falange’s Influence: Serrano Suñer, Franco’s brother-in-law, became a key figure.
  • Repression: The state of war remained until 1948, with concentration camps and suppression of opposition.
  • Foreign Policy: Spain declared neutrality but supported the Axis powers. Franco’s meeting with Hitler at Hendaye failed to secure full Spanish participation in the war, but Spain contributed the ‘Blue Division’.

Second Stage (1945-1950)

The Axis defeat in WWII led to shifts in Franco’s regime:

  • Rise of National Catholicism: The Church’s influence increased, with Catholic ministers entering the government.
  • Legislative Changes: Laws like the Jurisdiction of Spanish, the National Referendum Act, and the Law of Succession aimed to make the regime more acceptable and prepare for succession.
  • Strained Relations with the Monarchy: Don Juan de Borbón’s Lausanne Manifesto further distanced him from Franco.
  • Continued Repression: The Maquis, a communist-led guerrilla movement, faced ongoing suppression.
  • International Isolation: Spain was excluded from the United Nations.

Third Stage (1950s)

This period marked the consolidation of the dictatorship, driven by two factors: the end of international isolation and economic growth.

  • Technocrats’ Rise: Technocrats gained influence over the Falange, focusing on economic development.
  • Carrero Blanco’s Prominence: A Catholic and anti-Falangist, Carrero Blanco became Franco’s right-hand man.
  • Legislative and Cultural Shifts: The Law on Principles of National Movement summarized the regime’s principles, and a cautious cultural opening began.
  • Emerging Opposition: Student movements and the Basque separatist group ETA emerged.
  • International Reintegration: Spain joined the UN in 1955, signed a concordat with the Vatican, secured economic and military agreements with the US (including military bases), and recognized Moroccan independence in 1956.