The Basque Country Under Franco: Repression and Resistance (1939-1975)
The Franco Regime's Early Years in the Basque Country
Societal Divisions After the Civil War
After the Spanish Civil War, Basque society was sharply divided. The supporters of the new Franco regime included the military, Falangists, and Traditionalists. Opposing the regime were anti-Franco groups, including Communists, Socialists, and Basque Nationalists.
Suppression of Basque Culture and Rights
During the initial years of the regime, a large segment of society suffered greatly under Franco's oppression, particularly regarding civil rights. Any expression of Basque culture was strictly banned.
Political and Institutional Dissolution
Politically, the Spanish Republic was dissolved, along with all institutions created under the 1936 Statute of Autonomy.
Economic Impact and Fiscal Autonomy
Economically, the provinces of Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa lost their economic agreements (fiscal autonomy, or Conciertos Económicos). Araba (Álava) and Navarre, which had supported the insurgents, did not lose their agreements, but their application was restricted or selectively applied.
The Policy of Autarky
The economic situation was extremely difficult due to the hardships of the Civil War and the subsequent policy of imposed autarky (economic self-sufficiency).
Basque Government in Exile and Diplomatic Efforts
The Basque Government in Exile, led by President José Antonio Aguirre, remained fully active. During World War II, diplomatic ties were established with the Allies, especially the United States (AEB), based on the hope that the Franco dictatorship would soon end.
The Treaty of Bayonne (1947)
In this context, Basque political forces and other Spanish opposition groups signed the Treaty of Bayonne in 1947, aiming to restore the Spanish Republic and the Statute of Autonomy.
Rise of ETA and Internal Conflicts
The dissolution of national institutions and growing internal divisions led to the emergence of ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna).
Moderate vs. Military Factions
ETA split into factions:
- The Moderate Line: Focused on worker movements and political demands.
- The Military Line: Advocated armed struggle as the only solution for their demands.
Key Events and Escalation of Violence
The Burgos Trial (1970)
In December 1970, the highly publicized Burgos Trial began, prosecuting 16 alleged ETA members accused of murder and violent actions. The trial was marked by numerous legal irregularities, and the prosecution sought massive death penalties. This sparked widespread national and international protests. International pressure ultimately led Franco to commute the death sentences.
Demonstrations against Franco grew increasingly common. The final years of the Franco regime were marked by several critical events:
- The assassination of Prime Minister Luis Carrero Blanco by ETA (1973).
- The final distribution and split of ETA into political-military and military factions.
- The execution of two leads: Jon Paredes Manot ("Txiki") and Ángel Otaegi (1975).
This latest event triggered countless protests, which were violently suppressed. Violence increased significantly during the regime's final years.