Francoist Repression and Social Control in Post-War Spain

Social Control and Internal Political Repression

Spanish society in the 1940s was marked by what is considered a strong repression of both Republicans and Communists. This led to the existence of concentration camps where Republican prisoners were interned. Some of these prisoners went to prison (in 1940, there were approximately 300,000), and in all cases, there was physical and psychological torture.

The Machinery of Post-War Persecution

Normal trials or military tribunals did not exist; instead, cases were handled under military laws, which often implied the death penalty. In Catalonia, 1,077 people were tried in military courts and sentenced to death based on anonymous allegations. A simple investigation was enough to imprison someone.

A special body in charge of political persecution was created, known as the 'Social Brigade' (Brigada Político-Social). A special law was also enacted to pursue political opponents: the 'Political Responsibility Act' (1939-1945). This law established that any person identified as a supporter of the Republic since October 1934 would have their properties expropriated by the Francoist state.

Social Engineering and Institutional Control

In addition, 'Purging' (Depuración) processes were put into practice. These were trials conducted in the presence of military and ecclesiastical authorities. If a person was declared a Communist, they lost their lives or their workplace occupations (such as teachers and doctors). Children were given up for forced adoption into Francoist families.

The Church was in charge of controlling the functioning of society and spreading traditional values. These values were often linked to Spanish folklore, such as bullfighting, Sevillanas, religious processions, and images of the Catholic Monarchs.

Specific Repression in Catalonia

In the case of Catalonia, repression was characterized by a combat against radical Catalan nationalism, which the Francoist regime considered a threat because it wanted to break the unity of Spain. The objective was to hold Catalonia responsible; consequently, attempts were made to declare illegal all Catalan nationalist symbols, such as the flag and 'Els Segadors' (The Reapers).

The Catalan language was declared illegal for publication, and the names of streets, towns, and cities were changed (e.g., Sant Quirze de Besora became San Quirce de Besora). Catalan culture was persecuted, and most intellectuals had to go into exile (such as Picasso). It is also true that some declared themselves Francoists (such as Eugenio d'Ors and Dalí).

Administrative Structure and Military Oversight

Censorship was particularly detailed regarding the Catalans. The policy was to prohibit the Government of Catalonia (the Generalitat), the civil law, and the Statute of Autonomy. Catalonia was considered a Spanish region like any other. The state was represented in Catalonia by the Civil Governor and the Captain General.

• The Civil Governor was in charge of civil councils and public order, transmitting commands from the Madrid government.
• The Civil Governor also directed the FET y de las JONS (the Falange).
• There was a Civil Governor for each province, connected with the Captain General, who headed the army.

The military's role in Catalonia was to ensure the unity of Spain and pursue anti-Francoist movements, making use of force whenever necessary.