Francoism: Political Evolution and Characteristics

Francoism: Political Evolution

Francoism was a political ideology characterized by its ultra-Catholic and militaristic nature. It defended an exclusive and aggressive nationalism, with Franco considered a providential figure chosen by God to save the country. Catholicism was equated with the nation, and the regime identified with past imperialist models like the Catholic Monarchs and the Habsburgs.

Enemies of the state were identified as liberals, Masons, Jews, socialists, communists, and anarchists. The regime favored national unity, authority, and hierarchy, while opposing democracy, separation of powers, and liberal revolutions. It sought to dissolve Catalan, Basque, and Galician nationalist sentiments, identifying Spain with Castile.

Key Features of the Franco Regime

The Franco regime was characterized by a personal dictatorship, a one-party system, and a clear division between winners and losers. It was the Spanish version of fascism and Nazism, establishing an undemocratic and totalitarian state. Although it adapted over three decades, it never lost its core essence.

Differences with Fascism

• Unipartism was not as cohesive.
• Greater importance was given to Catholicism.
• The army had more influence.

Supporting Groups

The regime was supported by landowners, financial and business sectors, the rural middle class, the army (its primary support), and the Church (through a 1953 concordat with the Holy See). However, Catholic Basques and Catalans opposed the regime. The Falange was a bureaucratic agency in charge of propaganda and organization, later renamed Movimiento Nacional in 1958.

The regime also relied on the support of a "silent majority."

Phases of the Franco Regime

1. Totalitarian Phase (1939-1959): Characterized by economic decline, severe repression, and ideological involution.
2. Technocratic Phase (1959-1969): Introduction of technocrats (Opus Dei) into the government, economic modernization, but limited social policy.
3. Decomposition Phase (1969-1975): Franco's physical deterioration, numerous ETA and FRAP attacks, estrangement from the Church, and tensions between mobility and openness.

World War II and International Isolation:

Initially, Spain remained neutral during World War II. However, after seeing German and Italian victories, it aligned with the Axis powers by sending the Blue Division to fight against the USSR. By 1942, Spain returned to neutrality to improve its image. Despite creating a Spanish charter of rights, it had little practical effect.

After the end of World War II, Spain was internationally isolated due to its fascist alignment. In 1946, the UN did not support Spain, and France closed its border. The regime claimed this was a conspiracy against them. Franco removed the fascist salute and promulgated the law of succession, but did not specify the successor until 1948, when Juan Carlos was brought in for education.

US-USSR Tensions and Spain's Integration:

Amidst US-USSR tensions, Spain was admitted to UNESCO in 1952. The 1953 Pact of Madrid and the concordat with the Holy See followed. In 1955, Spain was admitted to the UN. The "Fundamental Law Principles of National Movement" was also established.

Late Franco Regime:

The 1966 Press Law allowed for limited freedom of expression. The 1967 Organic Law of the State aimed to ensure the regime's survival after Franco's death, maintaining the definition of the state as a kingdom and adhering to the principles of the Movimiento. It separated the functions of head of state and president of government and established the election of one-third of the Cortes by household vote. Prince Juan Carlos was designated as Franco's successor in 1969. International isolation ended as Spain joined the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and signed commercial and political agreements with Germany and France.

Franco's physical deterioration led to increased delegation of power. In 1973, Carrero Blanco was assassinated by ETA.

Final Years:

The last two years of the dictatorship were led by the Arias Navarro government, which increased repression. In the 1970s, Western democracies accepted the regime. In September 1975, the government executed five ETA members, causing international protests. Spain was once again isolated, and Franco delivered his last speech.