Franco's Opposition: Labor, Student, and Nationalist Resistance
Opposition to Franco's Regime in Spain
Tensions in domestic politics helped to strengthen the Franco regime. Spain risked involvement in a fratricidal struggle and complete isolation from the world stage. The PSOE was torn between calling for a republic or continuing to work with anti-Franco monarchists. Exile led to thousands of workers striking, initiating open resistance from the labor sector.
The regime controlled opposition attacks, both diplomatic offensives from Republican exiles and guerrilla army actions. During the 1950s, confrontation with the regime took four main forms:
- Labor strikes
- University agitation
- The revival of nationalism
- Activity of exiles
By the end of the decade, the opposition presented a picture of effervescence, to which the government responded with repressive legislation. The desire for change led to increased conflict as the opposition began to establish a firm foundation. These desires manifested in the junction of several forces—democratic, republican, and monarchist—in Munich, who denounced the undemocratic nature of the dictatorship.
However, the regime did not yield and carried out harsh repression. The PCE (Communist Party of Spain) was the most persecuted.
Key Areas of Conflict in the Sixties
Conflict levels significantly increased in the sixties in four areas:
Labor (Workers)
Struggle through movements for freedom to strike and form trade unions (CCOO). Trouble spots were Catalonia, Madrid, the Basque Country, and Asturias.
Student (University)
The unrest began when the government dismissed several professors for supporting student demonstrations. Free student assemblies were then created.
Nationalisms
Revived Catalan and Basque nationalism, and emerging regional cultural affirmation in Galicia, Valencia, the Canary Islands, and Andalusia. Fights against aggressive centralism:
- Galicia: The democratic opposition was very united and in full cooperation.
- Basque Country: ETA became the regime's main problem, opting for armed struggle.
Ecclesiastical
Young clergy and progressive Catholics faced their hierarchy, which they accused of supporting Franco, and claimed the Church's right to take sides against the dictatorship.