Political Evolution of Francoist Spain (1939-1975)

Political Developments in Francoist Spain

The Totalitarian Phase (1939-1945)

This period was characterized by an economic slowdown and harsh repression. Spain initially declared neutrality but, following the successes of the Axis powers (Germany and Italy), declared sympathy for them. Franco sent the Blue Division to fight on the Soviet front alongside the Germans. As the Axis began to face difficulties, Spain returned to a policy of neutrality, withdrew the Blue Division, and began to establish contacts with Allied countries. During this stage, the Law of the Cortes was approved.

National Catholicism (1945-1957)

After the defeat of the Axis, the Franco dictatorship was internationally isolated. The Allies considered Spain a fascist redoubt. Consequently, Spain was not admitted to the UN, nor did it receive aid from the Marshall Plan. Following UN recommendations, ambassadors were withdrawn from Spain, with the exceptions of Argentina, the Vatican, and Portugal.

However, the situation shifted during the Cold War. Spain joined the UN in 1955 and signed the Concordat with the Vatican in 1953, which regulated Church-State relations. That same year, the Hispanic-American Agreement was signed, allowing the U.S. to use a series of military bases (Rota, Morón, Zaragoza) in exchange for economic aid.

Technocracy and Organic Democracy (1957-1969)

This phase saw the inclusion of technocrats in the government, many associated with Opus Dei. They focused on economic development through the liberalization of the economy, prioritizing modernization over ideology. Key figures included López Rodó, Ullastre, and Navarro Rubio.

Significant legislative milestones included:

• The Press Law proposed by Fraga, which suspended prior censorship.
• The Religious Freedom Act.
• The 1969 designation of Prince Juan Carlos as Franco's successor.

Decomposition of the Regime (1970-1975)

The final years were marked by the physical deterioration of Franco, the regime's alienation from the Church, and increasing opposition. Tensions rose within the regime between the "immovables" (hardliners) and those favoring openness.

Carrero Blanco (1969-1973) pursued a policy of limited openness, including the promulgation of the General Law of Education, which made education free and compulsory until age 14. The situation worsened in 1973 due to the global oil crisis and the assassination of Carrero Blanco by ETA.

The new President, Carlos Arias Navarro, faced an economic crisis and labor unrest. His initial policy of openness, known as the "Spirit of February," eventually hardened with the introduction of a new Terrorism Act. In September 1975, the dictatorship carried out its last death sentences against five members of ETA and FRAP, sparking international outrage. Meanwhile, the opposition united in the Platajunta, and Morocco launched the Green March to invade the Spanish Sahara. Franco died on November 20, 1975, marking the end of the dictatorship.