Political Evolution and International Relations in Francoist Spain

1. Political Developments in Francoist Spain

A) The Postwar Period: The 1940s

The institutionalization of the regime was achieved through a series of decrees that expanded Franco's power. This included the restructuring of the central state administration, which established ministries and allowed Franco to approve decree-laws without government deliberation. Six fundamental laws completed this institutional work:

• 1. Labor Charter (Fuero del Trabajo): Forbade class unionism and placed industrial relations under the Falange. Despite successes such as social insurance, workers lacked channels to defend their rights due to the absence of negotiation and agreement.
• 2. Law of the Cortes (1942): Established a chamber elected by indirect suffrage through corporations. The Cortes did not represent national sovereignty and held no legislative power over the Caudillo.
• 3. Charter of the Spanish People (1945): A declaration of rights and duties intended to present a less authoritarian face to the international community.
• 4. National Referendum Act: Allowed the Head of State to call a plebiscite for the public to directly approve a law.
• 5. Law of Succession to the Head of State (1947): Spain was declared a "kingdom," and Franco reserved the power to propose his successor. This led to the 1948 Madrid Pact regarding the education of Juan Carlos I.
• 6. Law on the Principles of the Movement (1958): Codified the institutional doctrine of the Falangist corporation.

B) International Policy Stages

• First Stage (Until 1942): A period of alignment with Italy and Germany. Under Foreign Minister Serrano Suñer, the Hendaye meeting between Hitler and Franco occurred. Spain declared itself non-belligerent in World War II, though it sent volunteers in the "Blue Division" to support the Nazis on the Russian front.
• Second Stage (Post-1942): As German defeats mounted, Franco distanced himself from the Axis powers, replacing Serrano Suñer with Jordana. After the war, the UN refused to admit the regime, leading to an economic and diplomatic blockade that exacerbated hunger. After 1948, the Cold War between the USSR and the USA prompted a shift, as the West sought to incorporate Spain into its defense strategy.

C) Suppression of Opposition

The regime systematically eliminated all forms of opposition:

• Political Unification: Purging those who resisted, such as Hedilla, Fal Conde, and Gil Robles.
• Legal Repression: Purges under the Law of Political Responsibilities (1939) and the Law for the Repression of Freemasonry and Communism (1940). Many were executed or exiled to France, Mexico, and the USSR.
• Monarchist Break: The Manifesto of Lausanne (1945) by Don Juan, which advocated for a democratic transition.
• Armed Resistance: The final suppression of the maquis, led by anarchists and communists.