Franco Regime: Authoritarianism and Economic Stages in Spain
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The Franco regime was a political ideology and social movement that propped up the dictatorship that emerged in Spain. This regime was based on the need for right-wing military rebels to create a unified command and concentrate all powers in one person. The inspiring power system was based on authoritarianism, the concentration of powers in the dictator, and anti-parliamentarism. It created a single party controlled by the state structure.
Franco Regime Stages
The Franco regime is divided into two main stages: the period of autarky, where the government sought self-sufficiency due to the crisis following the civil war, and the second period of stabilization and economic growth. A final crisis period also occurred, marked by changes in support for Franco.
First Stage: Autarky and Economic Nationalism
In the first stage, the focus was on self-sufficiency through economic nationalism. This led to various changes in agriculture and industry, including the creation of the National Institute of Industry. This institute aided companies with national service grants and wheat, alongside ration cards. The consequences included:
- The creation of a black market due to low prices paid to farmers.
- Shortages of raw materials.
- Inability to create new businesses.
- Investment of foreign capital that favored monopolies.
Key Measures of the First Stage
All measures during this stage had a progressive purpose. The following grounds were undertaken:
Cortes Law
This was a scheme to maintain allied support for the regime's vision. It aimed to represent the country through a consultative court. The members of these courts were not chosen by popular vote but were selected based on their political offices in municipalities.
The Charter of Spanish Civil Rights
This charter exposed individual and collective duties, providing more privacy and greater individual freedom. It attempted to send a message of democratization and was related to the measures taken for agriculture during this period.