Cold War History and the Franco Dictatorship

The Cold War: USA vs. USSR

The Cold War was defined by political tension and rivalry between the USA and the USSR. While there was no direct war, the constant fear of nuclear conflict shaped global policy.

Formation of Blocs

In 1947, the Truman Doctrine aimed to stop communism, while the Marshall Plan provided economic aid to Europe. By 1949, NATO was established as a Western military alliance.

USSR Response:

• 1949: COMECON provided economic aid to the East.
• 1955: The Warsaw Pact was formed as a communist military alliance.

The world was divided into two blocs: the Western capitalist nations and the Eastern communist nations.

Initial Phase (1947–)

The Greek Civil War saw the USSR and USA supporting opposing sides. In Germany, Western zones united, leading to the Berlin Blockade, the Berlin Airlift, the creation of the FRG and GDR, and the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961. The 1956 Suez Crisis also saw UK and French intervention following Egypt's nationalization of the canal.

Peaceful Coexistence (1962–1975)

The USA and USSR worked to reduce tensions through agreements such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, SALT I and II, and the Helsinki Accords.

Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

After Castro aligned Cuba with the USSR, Soviet missiles were placed in Cuba, leading to a US blockade. The crisis ended with an agreement: the USSR removed missiles, the USA pledged not to invade Cuba, and the USA removed missiles from Turkey. This led to the creation of the Moscow-Washington hotline.

Middle East Conflicts

Following the 1947 partition of Palestine, the region saw several Arab-Israeli wars, including the 1948-49 war, the Suez Crisis, the Six-Day War, and the Yom Kippur War.

Vietnam War

The conflict pitted communist North Vietnam against US-supported South Vietnam. Following US intervention, the war ended in 1975 with a communist victory and national reunification.

Resurgence of the Cold War (1976–1991)

While Jimmy Carter focused on diplomacy, Ronald Reagan increased military spending, launched the Star Wars program, and intervened in Nicaragua and Afghanistan. Simultaneously, the USSR expanded its influence in Asia, Africa, and Central America, deployed missiles in Eastern Europe, and invaded Afghanistan in 1979.

End of the Cold War

In 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the USSR, initiating reforms, reducing weapons, and withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and Eastern Europe. By 1989, tensions eased under Bush and Gorbachev. In 1991, the Cold War ended, the USSR dissolved, and the Warsaw Pact was disbanded.

Non-Aligned Movement

Created at the 1955 Bandung Conference and formalized in Belgrade in 1961, this movement focused on neutrality, sovereignty, anti-colonialism, diplomacy, disarmament, and the removal of foreign bases. It consisted mostly of developing countries but weakened after 1980 due to internal conflicts and the collapse of the USSR.

Francoist Repression

Following the Spanish Civil War, the regime enforced strict repression:

• Military tribunals
• Prisons and concentration camps
• Purging of civil servants
• Fines and confiscations
• Mandatory adherence to the National Movement

Censorship and Opposition

The regime enforced media censorship, banned political parties and unions, and persecuted the maquis. In 1947, the Law of Succession was passed, allowing Franco to choose his successor, while the republican government in exile lacked international recognition.

Final Crisis of Francoism (1970–1975)

The regime faced social protests, political crises, and a distancing from the Church. The Burgos trials further increased tensions regarding ETA.

Carrero Blanco and the 1973 Oil Crisis

In 1973, Franco appointed Carrero Blanco as president, but he was assassinated by ETA in Madrid. Simultaneously, the 1973 oil crisis worsened the economy and fueled social conflict. The opposition formed the Democratic Junta with the goal of ending the dictatorship.

Death of Franco

Franco died on November 20, 1975. Two days later, Juan Carlos I was proclaimed King.

Western Sahara

The Polisario Front fought for independence, while Morocco launched the Green March. Spain eventually signed the Madrid Accords, ceding the territory to Morocco and Mauritania.