Francoist Spain's Post-War Transformation: Politics, Economy, and Opposition

The post-war period saw the emergence of a black market, operating outside the official Catholic legal framework that influenced much of the regime's early policies.

Post-1945 Francoist Spain: Reforms & Opposition

The 1945 Political Shift in Francoist Spain

In 1945, the government replaced Falangist ministers with Catholics and introduced policies aimed at greater openness to the outside world. This period saw the enactment of several fundamental laws:

Franco's Fundamental Laws and Succession

Key Legislation and Referendum Process

• The Charter of Spaniards: Promulgated as a declaration of rights and duties.
• The National Referendum Act: Established a procedure for popular ratification of legal texts considered transcendental. However, this procedure was distorted and lacked guarantees of direct popular vote.

Law of Succession to the Head of State

The Law of Succession to the Head of State confirmed the permanent character of Franco's leadership and regulated the succession mechanism. It did not proceed with the restoration of the Bourbon line of succession. Instead, the dictator would appoint a person who, upon his death, would assume the title of king. This individual had to be "male and Spanish, over 30 years old, Catholic, and swear allegiance to the fundamental laws and principles of the Movement."

The Fundamental Principles of the Movement Act

This act softened some of the previous fascist laws but retained their authoritarian, illiberal, and undemocratic nature.

Economic Recovery and Crisis (1945-1957)

Early Economic Opening and US Aid

Economic recovery and opening began with a slow phase, coinciding with aid from the U.S. and a shift in economic policy. The economy was opened to international trade by encouraging imports and reducing state interventions.

The 1957 Economic Crisis and Policy Change

By 1957, Spain was almost bankrupt, with depleted foreign exchange reserves and a large trade deficit. A new economic policy was urgently needed, leading to another change in government.

Opposition to Franco: Internal and External

Early Post-War Opposition Movements

After the war, monarchical conspiracies against Falangist and Francoist ideals emerged, though initially posing little threat. The PCE (Communist Party of Spain) had formed the National Union, while the Socialist Party and the Republican National Alliance attempted an understanding with Don Juan de Borbón. However, the conflict between the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) and the PCE prevented unified action, making them vulnerable to government crackdowns.

Suppression and Exile

The Civil Guard easily suppressed the clandestine activities of anti-Francoist opposition parties and unions. Opposition also came from outside Spain, where thousands of technical professionals and specialized workers were exiled.

The Monarchist Opposition and Don Juan

The monarchist opposition, organized around the figure of Don Juan de Borbón, soon abandoned direct confrontation with the regime. From 1948 onwards, after several personal interviews between Don Juan and Franco, Don Juan opted for an understanding with the dictator (culminating in the Law of Succession). This involved sending his son, Juan Carlos, to study in Spain, where he completed his education and was surrounded by military advisors and tutors chosen by Franco.