Opposition to Francoism and the Transition to Democracy

The Reorganization of the Opposition

From the very beginning, resistance emerged. Armed groups, known as resistance fighters, formed with the hope that an Allied victory in World War II would lead to the overthrow of the dictatorship in Spain.

Left-Wing Organizations

• CNT: The organization was dismantled.
• PSUC: Communists successfully organized and became the most active force within the opposition.
• Socialist Movement of Catalonia: Socialists created this new party, drawing militants from both the POUM and the PSUC.
• National Front of Catalonia: This group led the most relevant illegal nationalist opposition activities.

New Social Movements

The first citizen protest movements occurred in Barcelona following a rise in tram ticket prices. As the country industrialized, the growing number of employees led to increased labor unrest.

Strikes and Unionization

In 1962, major strikes took place in Asturias, Catalonia, Andalusia, and the Basque Country. During this period, the Workers' Commissions (Comisiones Obreras) were established, becoming the leading trade union force for the next two decades.

Dissidence and Cultural Revitalization

• Catholic Church: Dissident groups emerged from within the institution against Francoism.
• Student Movement: The movement took a clear stance against the regime, highlighted by the constituent assembly of the Democratic Students' Union, known as the Caputxinada.
• Catalan Culture: Groups promoted the revitalization of Catalan culture, staging protests such as the Facts of the Palace.

The most significant event in the strengthening of the opposition was the creation of the Assembly of Catalonia.

The End of the Franco Era

The Economic Crisis of the 1970s

The 1973 oil crisis ended the previous period of growth and prosperity, ushering in a deep economic recession in Spain. The crisis was characterized by:

• A continuous rise in prices.
• A decrease in foreign investment.
• Increased unemployment, particularly in the industrial sector.

The Final Years of the Regime

In 1973, Franco was seriously ill. He appointed Admiral Carrero Blanco as head of government, who was assassinated later that same year in an ETA attack.