Franco's Spain: Early Regime, Repression, and Resistance
Blue Stage
In August 1939, the first government was formed after Franco's victory, which clearly appreciated the fascist orientation with a clear predominance of the Falange. In fact, the Franco dictatorship only formally adopted the model. The single party never came to dominate the state; rather, the opposite occurred. Franco agreed to institutionalize the fascist dictatorship on the condition that it limited his power as leader.
Fascism was abandoned to the extent that the Second World War changed course, and the defeat of the Axis powers became inevitable.
Anti-fascism was replaced by Nacionalcatolicismo, which connected with old anti-parliamentary, anti-Catholic liberal assumptions (ACNP).
Franco's power was made possible by a series of contributing laws:
- Jurisdiction of Labor Courts under Spanish Civil Law
- National Referendum Law
- Law of Succession to the Presidency
Impact of Franco's Dictatorship & Repressive Laws
Franco's dictatorship hindered the modernization of Spain. Post-war civilian life remained dominated by the winning side. Franco enacted the Law of Political Responsibilities. Its purpose was to assign blame for political responsibilities to those who opposed him.
Other repressive laws included:
- Law of Lustration of Officials
- Law for the Repression of Freemasonry and Communism
- State Security Law
The period from 1939-1945 witnessed immense suffering: almost half a million refugees in France, concentration camps, executions, and widespread illness.
Mass exile led to the destruction of the Silver Age of Spanish Culture.
Political Opposition & Resistance
The political opposition found it necessary to coordinate their forces to create an image of international cohesion, presenting themselves as a trusted ally for intervention to end the dictatorship.
The Spanish Junta of Liberation was formed. However, this liberation was seen as a move with more risks than potential benefits.
When the option of monarchy arose, Franco spoke. Spain was defined as a realm of free choice, but Prince Juan Carlos was designated as his successor.
The Communists became the most active force of the opposition to Franco. They provided support to the Maquis, Republican veterans who sought to continue the fight through guerrilla warfare. There were three groups:
- Politicized individuals
- Isolated groups
- Urban groups
The climax occurred with the invasion of the Aran Valley, where the Francoist army suppressed the rebellion.
The failure of the guerrilla struggle led the PCE to change its strategy, focusing instead on mass mobilization.
The Church also gave the first signs of disengagement from the Franco regime.
In 1946, there was significant activity in Barcelona, a crisis.