Franco Regime: Totalitarian Dictatorship in Spain

T14: The Franco Regime

Characteristics of the Franco Regime

The Franco regime was characterized by a totalitarian dictatorship, warlordism, repression, systematically planned centralism, and unilateralism. The institutional foundations of the regime were the army, Falange, and the Church. Its social support came from the economic elites and the peasantry, with passive resistance from the middle and lower classes. Politically, it was based on a coalition of Francoists, Falangists, monarchists, Carlists, and Catholic organizations like Opus Dei. The organization of the state was characterized by the lack of democracy and the *Fundamental Laws*.

Stages of the Franco Regime

• The Second World War (1939-1945)

  This period saw support for the Axis powers, shifting from neutrality to belligerence and back to neutrality. There was a strong identification with fascism, including national syndicalism and the hegemony of the Falange.

• Isolation (1945-1953)

  This phase was marked by an international boycott, condemnation by the UN, and the withdrawal of ambassadors. A makeover occurred, including the marginalization of the Falange, the removal of fascist symbols, and the increased influence of Catholics.

• International Recognition (1953-1959)

  This stage saw the signing of concordats with the US and the Vatican, acceptance into international organizations, the crisis of 1956, a new government with the influence of Opus Dei, and the liberalization of the economy in the 1960s.

Economic Autarky

The objectives of economic autarky were to achieve self-sufficiency by restricting and regulating foreign trade and to promote the industrial development of strategic sectors through strong state interventionism and the creation of the INI (National Institute of Industry). The consequences were shortages, low productivity, poverty, and even famine.

Opposition to Franco

The opposition to Franco was organized on two fronts:

• In Exile

  Parties, unions, and republican institutions were reorganized, forming a government and a Republican Parliament. However, there were weaknesses and internal divisions.

• Inside Spain

  Despite repression and the dismantling of organizations, anti-Franco guerrillas (known as the Maquis) were organized. Parties and unions were rebuilt, and social conflicts such as strikes and student riots emerged.

Key Concepts

• National Syndicalism

  The political ideology of the Spanish Falange, based on fascist totalitarianism, nationalism, traditionalism, and vertical trade unionism. It was adopted by the Franco dictatorship in its early years.

• Opus Dei

  A religious organization whose mission is to spread a particular model of Christian life.

• National Catholicism

  A political doctrine in Franco's Spain characterized by the close relationship between the Catholic Church and the State.

• Maquis

  The movement of anti-Franco guerrillas.