The Transformation of Spain: Francoism, 1939–1975
Stages of the Franco Dictatorship (1939–1975)
The political and social evolution of Franco’s regime can be divided into distinct stages:
- 1939–1942: The Blue Stage. Characterized by the predominance of the Falange (Phalanx) party.
- 1943–1957: National Catholicism. The dominant traditionalist ideology.
- 1957–1969: The Domain of Opus Dei. Marked by the rise of technocrats.
- 1970–1975: The Final Years. The period where political instability was compounded by economic crisis.
Political Developments and International Isolation
The regime began with harsh repression and persecution of the defeated side (vencidos). Without direct participation in the Second World War (WWII), the Blue Division was sent to the Eastern Front. The end of the war in 1945 led to the international isolation of the regime.
This isolation was broken in the 1950s:
- In 1953, Spain signed bilateral agreements with the U.S., allowing American bases in exchange for economic aid.
- In 1955, Spain entered the UN, formally ending its international isolation.
Economic Stagnation and the Policy of Autarky
Following the Civil War, economic destruction and subsequent international isolation severely damaged the economy. However, economic stagnation was primarily due to a highly interventionist and autarkic policy.
The state created the INI (National Institute of Industry) and implemented a policy of intervention, protection, and autarky, which facilitated the development of national industry. This autarkic economic policy occurred during an era of economic liberalization in Europe, leaving Spanish industry ill-prepared to compete abroad.
National Catholicism and Social Structure
Society was organized according to the principles of National Catholicism, whose goal was to re-Christianize the country. Traditional values were emphasized, censorship was enforced, and life was organized around the churches.
The regime returned to the traditional patriarchal family model, in which women had a very subordinate role; the wife’s primary work was as homemaker and mother, engaged in the tasks of the home. The triumph of the national side meant the traditional oligarchy regained economic, social, and political power. The middle classes generally supported the regime.
The 1959 Stabilization Plan and Technocracy
In the late 1950s, the policy of autarky was abandoned because it had become increasingly unsustainable. U.S. aid helped end industrial isolation, and the industrial sector contributed to the advent of tourism, which improved the economy.
By 1957, the state was on the brink of bankruptcy. To steer the economy, ministers were chosen who were economically trained, some belonging to Opus Dei (known as technocrats). The Stabilization Plan of 1959 led to forced Spanish austerity. The plan’s immediate effects were:
- Decreases in economic activity.
- Increases in unemployment.
- Mass emigration of Spanish people seeking work abroad.
The Economic Boom of the 1960s
Economic Growth and Development Plans
The three Development Plans outlined the path Spain needed to take to overcome underdevelopment and become the tenth-largest economy in the world. These plans aided the propaganda of Franco’s regime as an economic modernizer. The economic structure was completed with the growth of the tertiary sector.
The primary engines of economic growth were:
- Foreign investment.
- Tourism.
- External emigration (remittances).
These sectors contributed major currencies to the balance of payments and financed the necessary imports to develop industry.
Political Evolution and Foreign Policy
Politically, these years were dominated by technocratic ministers, many from Opus Dei. In foreign policy, bilateral pacts with the USA continued. Economic development allowed Franco to be presented internationally as a leader of peace.
Social Modernization and Demographic Shifts
In social terms, the 1960s saw significant changes:
- Population growth (more births and less mortality).
- Population concentration and urban dominance.
- The rise of the middle classes.
Society became much more modern, implementing a new mentality. The family structure moved away from being large, and women increasingly joined the Spanish labor force. While the regime favored social progress, these changes ultimately weakened the regime and increased social competition.
The Final Years of the Franco Regime (1970–1975)
While the economy was generally good in the final years, growth had not always been smooth, and the absence of political alternatives was evident. By 1970, Spain was a developed country but still suffered from gaps and mismatches, notably income being unequally distributed and heavy dependence on the exterior.
In 1973, the rise in oil prices had very negative effects for Spain, impacting tourism, foreign investment, and emigration. The economic crisis made Spain a country heavily dependent on foreign trade. This crisis coincided with Franco’s death on November 20, 1975, which marked the beginning of the democratic transition.