Spain Under Franco: A 40-Year Dictatorship
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Franco's Dictatorship in Spain: 1939-1975
1. Franco's Dictatorship
Franco's Dictatorship lasted almost 40 years. Key features include:
- Franco consolidated all powers.
- The only legal party was FET de las JONS.
- Rights and freedoms were abolished.
- All manifestations of nationalism were rejected.
The Winners: The army, the Catholic Church, landowners, and big businessmen primarily benefited. The regime also received support from the middle class.
The Defeated: Repression was a key factor in the dictatorship's longevity. Republicans faced forced labor and execution. Only Castilian was permitted, and the Church censored publications. Many people went into exile to escape repression.
2. Post-War Years (1939-1945): Fascism and Misery
A Fascist-Oriented Government: The Blue Division was created to support Hitler's Germany. An autarkic economy (self-sufficiency) was imposed. Organizations dependent on FET de las JONS were established, and Fascist symbols were introduced. Repression was fierce, with only a guerrilla group called the Maquis offering resistance.
The Economy: A Desolate Country: The Spanish economy was devastated after the war. Urban activity decreased, and people returned to their villages. Product shortages led to state-imposed food rationing and the emergence of a black market.
3. The Regime's Consolidation (1945-1959)
From International Isolation to Acceptance: After World War II, the victorious powers initially sought Franco's downfall, leading to international isolation. However, the Cold War shifted the situation. The French border reopened, and embassies were re-established. In 1953, Spain signed the Concordat with the Holy See and the Treaty of Hispanic-American Amity. Spain was subsequently admitted to the UN.
Abandonment of Fascism, But Not the Dictatorship: Franco made some concessions. The Falange's influence diminished, and Catholics and monarchists gained positions in ministries. The fascist salute was no longer compulsory. FET de las JONS was renamed the National Movement, and the political system was termed "organic democracy." The first actions of the opposition began to organize.
The Arrival of Economic Change: Technocrats: Despite a slight economic upturn, Spain remained underdeveloped due to autarkic policies. Technocrats from Opus Dei were brought into the government to improve the economy. They implemented a stabilization plan, encouraged private enterprise, and abandoned autarky.
4. The Changes of the 1960s
Economic Change: Growth was driven by industry and tourism. Agriculture was modernized, and foreign investment increased. However, this growth was unbalanced. The government designed Development Plans to address regional inequalities.
Demographic Change: A population boom (baby boomers) occurred. The modernization of agriculture led to a rural exodus, and Spain became more urbanized. Two million Spaniards emigrated.
Social Modernization, But Not Political: A consumer society emerged, requiring a better-educated population. This led to new values and social realities. A new Press Law was implemented.
5. The Final Crisis of the Dictatorship
Reorganization of the Anti-Franco Opposition: Opposition to Franco grew. The PCE (Communist Party of Spain) initiated a policy of national reconciliation, seeking alliances against the dictatorship. New forms of opposition emerged, including neighborhood movements demanding better services and a powerful student movement in universities. The trade union movement (CCOO) also developed, along with a terrorist opposition.
Final Crisis of the Regime: The 1973 oil crisis severely affected Spain, increasing social unrest and strikes. The Franco regime faced a political crisis as Franco's health declined. He appointed Juan Carlos de Borbón as his successor and Carrero Blanco as Prime Minister. ETA assassinated Carrero Blanco. The regime responded with repression. The conflict in the Sahara escalated with the Green March.
Legacy: An Industrialized but Unequal Country
When Franco died, economic growth had transformed Spanish society. However, significant inequalities persisted, and public services were scarce. A large portion of the population had a low educational level, hindering further economic development.