Institutionalized Repression and Francoist Purges in Post-War Spain

Institutionalized Repression: The Instruments of Control

During the Civil War, the rebels expressed their determination to eliminate all those who opposed the military uprising, labeling them enemies of Spain. The insurgents unleashed indiscriminate violence against Republicans. The end of the conflict did not bring an end to this violence; instead, it led to the institutionalization of repression through a series of new laws.

Legislative Framework of Repression

• Law of Political Responsibilities (1939): Sought the total clearance of persons who had collaborated with the Republic.
• Suppression of Communism and Masonry Act (1940): Further expanded the scope of persecution.

The army served as the primary arm of these repressive policies until 1963, when the Court of Public Order was created. In the early postwar years, most cases were tried by military courts-martial. Approximately 150,000 people were executed, and by 1940, the prison population in Spain reached 280,000, including 23,300 women.

Forced Labor and Disciplinary Battalions

A significant portion of prisoners were sent to Workers' Battalions. Additionally, Disciplinary Battalions of Soldier Workers were created, comprised of recruits the regime considered dangerous. These groups were engaged in the reconstruction of roads, bridges, and railway lines, or worked in quarries, mines, and public buildings. All repressive measures were designed to serve as an example, spreading terror to quell any attempt at dissent.

Asset Forfeiture and Systematic Purges

Repressive measures were accompanied by an extensive process of confiscation and looting. The regime seized the properties of political exiles and Republicans, while the assets of parties, unions, and associations related to the Republic were confiscated. The Franco regime also implemented a general cleansing of public administrations, ensuring only those attached to the National Movement remained employed. These purges were mandatory in professional associations, including doctors, lawyers, and journalists, and private companies were ordered to dismiss all exiles.

The Repression of Regional Nationalism

Franco's victory had specific consequences for Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia, as their nationalism contradicted the principle of the unbreakable unity of Spain. Consequently, the regime banned and persecuted all linguistic and cultural manifestations that were not Castilian. Catalan, Basque, and Galician were relegated to the status of mere dialects. This repression forced many intellectuals, teachers, and professionals committed to these regional identities into exile.