The Franco Regime: From Autarky to Democratic Transition

Spain Under Franco: International Acceptance

Franco's regime benefited from the Cold War, and its international presence began to attract more interest from anti-communist powers. In 1950, the UN normalized relations with Western countries. Spain was admitted to international organizations such as the FAO and UNESCO, signed a concordat with the Holy See, and signed military treaties with the United States.

Economic Takeoff and Technocratic Reform

Economically, Spain began its takeoff, ending autarky and moving past its status as a semi-agricultural country. As Franco's dictatorship was consolidated, a change of government run by Carrero Blanco in 1951 marked the return of the Falange. Spain eventually reached its highest per capita income of the century.

It was clear that deep political change was needed; thus, the cabinet reshuffle of 1957 brought technocrats from Opus Dei into the government. The Carrero Blanco–López Rodó project was finally imposed, establishing a traditional monarchy, the administrative reform of the state on July 18, and the succession of Prince Juan Carlos.

The Stabilization Plan and Modernization

In 1959, Spain introduced the Stabilization Plan, which followed a policy of development plans with the creation of poles of development and promotion:

• The First Development Plan (1964): Aimed to increase foreign trade and stimulate consumption. Twelve development poles were established, though some targets were missed.
• The Second Development Plan: Exceeded its initial expectations.

During the 1960s, the economy experienced an accelerated growth rate. Spain ceased to be a backward country and became a modern, urbanized nation.

Political Opposition and the Democratic Transition

However, the 1960s also saw growing political and social opposition. A key event was the 1962 Munich meeting, where 118 people gathered to expose the reality of the Franco regime to Europe. Meanwhile, ETA began to attack with increasing violence.

The Carrero Blanco government took over in 1969, amidst growing labor unrest and extreme-right violence in the 1970s, exemplified by the FRAP. On December 20, 1973, Carrero Blanco was assassinated by ETA in Operation Ogro, and Arias Navarro succeeded him.

Upon the death of Franco, the alternative was either reform or a clean break. Thanks to the King, Torcuato Fernández-Miranda, and Adolfo Suárez, this delicate transition was successfully resolved.