The Francoist State: Structure, Ideology, and Supporters

The Foundations of the Francoist State

Francoist Ideology

A totalitarian regime, Franco held all state powers for life. The only authorized political party was the FET y de las JONS (Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS), unified under Franco's command in 1937. This regime outlawed any opposing political ideology or action, including communist, socialist, and republican movements. It extolled traditional values, national unity, religion, respect for law and order, and private property. The ideology was based on seven fundamental laws created between 1936 and 1962.

Francoist State Structure

Its institutions and symbols were consolidated as follows:

• On October 1, 1936, Franco was granted supreme power in Nationalist Spain. In 1937, the FET y de las JONS was unified under his control.
• In 1938, the Fuero del Trabajo (Labor Charter) was established, governing labor relations. Only one union, the "Organización Sindical," was permitted, and membership was mandatory. The right to strike was prohibited.
• In 1942, a fundamental law established the new Francoist Cortes (parliament), which held advisory rather than legislative power.
• Symbols included the bicolor flag, the eagle, the yoke and arrows of the Catholic Monarchs, and the initials of Victor.

Groups Supporting the Franco Regime

The Catholic Church

The Catholic Church supported the regime from the Spanish Civil War, viewing it as a crusade against Republican enemies. The system recognized only the official Catholic Church, subsidizing and protecting it. Church figures held important positions, including deputies and even ministerial roles, such as Martín Artajo y Castiella.

The Army

The army remained loyal to Franco (unlike the Republican army, which was dismantled). Loyalty was rewarded with positions in public companies and political institutions. Key figures included Carrero Blanco, General Muñoz Grandes, and Camilo Alonso Vega.

FET y de las JONS

As the only recognized party, the FET y de las JONS enjoyed Franco's support and adopted an ideology based on Italian Fascism. In its first 20 years, the Falange had a significant presence in government institutions. It was an elitist party with around 10,000 members and limited popular support. It organized activities such as:

• The Frente de Juventudes (Youth Front): Aimed at young men, divided by age (Balillas, Flechas, Pelayos), who received Falangist doctrine and supported the regime through cultural and sports activities in camps like La Victoria and Alcudia.
• The Sección Femenina (Women's Section): Headed by Pilar Primo de Rivera, it focused on educating girls in domestic activities and promoting traditional folklore.
• Auxilio Social (Social Aid): Attempted to address social needs by providing food, clothing, medicine, and public dining rooms. Costs were covered by the state and donations.
• The SEU (Sindicato Español Universitario - Spanish University Syndicate): The Falange's university union, promoting the regime's ideology within universities.

Employers

Some employers supported the regime, receiving concessions for public works and construction projects in return. Prominent figures included José Banús (Puerto Banús, Valley of the Fallen) and José María Aguirre (President of Banesto). However, relations were not always smooth, with monarchists, Carlists, and Falangists vying for influence, as demonstrated by the 1942 incident at the Temple of Our Lady of Begoña in Bilbao, which resulted in three deaths.