Spain Under Franco: From Autarchy to Modernization

First Period of Francoism (1939-1959)

Political Isolation and Repression

• Politics: During the first years (until 1945), there was a strong relationship with the Axis powers: Italy and Germany.
• After WWII, Spain was isolated. The UN declared Spain a totalitarian regime.
• There was only one political party: Falange Española y de las JONS.
• The era was marked by strong repression.
• Opposition remained hidden in the mountains, known as the Maquis.

Economic Autarchy and the Black Market

• Economy: The system of Autarchy meant Spain was isolated economically, which meant that it could not export or import any products.
• The primary sector was the most important. Except for Catalonia and the Basque Country, other regions earned their living through agriculture, fishing, and mining.
• The self-sufficient policy was incapable of feeding society. Due to that, rationing cards were implemented.
• These cards reduced the profits of merchants, so they started selling on the black market. This activity was called estraperlo.

Society, Culture, and Education

• Education: The Church controlled the content and, in the beginning, they provided the teachers.
• Segregated schools: Girls and boys were educated separately.
• Standardized textbooks were used to enforce ideology.
• It was compulsory to speak Spanish; other languages like Catalan and Basque were forbidden.
• Censorship: Any book, newspaper, theatre performance, or film had to be reviewed.
• Women were educated to remain at home and become housewives and mothers.
• Propaganda: The system used NO-DO (newsreels) to promote their actions.

Second Period of Francoism (1959-1975)

International Relations and Political Change

• Politics: The United States, in the fight against the Soviet Union, wanted a military ally and sought to set up military bases in Spain.
• In exchange, Spain was accepted as a member of NATO.
• There remained only one political party: Falange Española y de las JONS.
• Organized opposition emerged, including ETA, FRAP, PCE(r), and MIL.

Economic Stabilization and Modernization

• Economy: Stabilization plans were introduced using funds that arrived from the USA.
• The aim was to modernize Spain through industry poles, promoting tourism, and the tertiary sector.
• Consequence: New inventions and consumer goods arrived, such as washing machines, fridges, and vacuum cleaners.
• Different means of transport became popular, specifically motorbikes and cars.
• The primary sector lost its importance because of rapid industrialization.
• There was a huge emigration from rural areas to the cities.
• Workers faced long hours and low salaries.

Social Shifts and Cultural Evolution

• Society and Culture: Women started studying and entering the labor market, especially middle-to-high-class women.
• Spanish continued to be the only public language for education and business, but some Catalan and Basque songs were eventually allowed.
• Censorship remained, but it became more flexible and less strict.
• In 1966, the Press Law was approved, allowing some newspapers to start publishing more freely.
• Tourism changed people’s views as the European lifestyle introduced different perspectives.
• Migration led to the rapid growth of big cities.