The Rise of Franco: Political Control in Rebel Spain

Rebel Area

The political and social groups that had supported the military uprising did not have a common project and, therefore, accepted the supremacy of the army that was responsible for organizing the new state.

Formation of the National Defense

First, they created the National Defense in Burgos, headed by Miguel Canellas (the oldest general of the rebels). This board banned political parties and unions and halted land reform. After General Sanjurjo, considered the head of the rebellion, died in an accident, there was a need for appointing a single leader, especially when it became clear that the uprising would lead to civil war.

Franco's Rise to Power

Franco was elected on 30 September 1936 and became famous in Spain and abroad for his military action in defense of the Alcázar. On October 1, he was appointed Head of State, Government, and Spanish Generalissimo of the Armies. Gone was the Defense Board, and a Technical Board of the State was established in Valladolid and Burgos. The headquarters of the Generalissimo was in Salamanca.

Inspiration from Fascist States

Given the need to organize a new political power, the rebels were inspired by the model of Italian and German fascist states. In April 1937, Franco announced the unification decree that created the single party, Traditionalist Spanish Falange de las JONS, which unified Falange and Carlist factions and integrated all others who had supported him. Franco would become Party chief, head of state, and prime minister in January 1938 when the first government was formed. Thereafter, he was usually called the "Leader of Spain," and the new state began to legislate.

Labor Law and Ideological Control

In March 1938, one of its fundamental laws, the Labor Law, was enacted, inspired by the Carta del Lavoro of Italian Fascism, the social doctrine of the Church, and the Falange. This law organized the vertical union (employers and workers in the same organization), prohibited strikes, and restricted worker demands.

Regime's Ideological Control

Laws were promulgated on printing to ensure the regime's ideological control, which was heavily censored.

Closer Ties with the Church

Laws also brought closer ties to the Church, including the abrogation of civil marriage and divorce, the establishment of religious worship and teaching in the military, and economic rewards for worship and clergy.

Law of Political Responsibilities

In February 1939, the Law of Political Responsibilities was promulgated, instituting mixed courts (military, judges, and representatives of the Falange) to impose penalties on persons linked to leftist parties.