Spain Under Franco: From Civil War to Monarchy (1939-1959)

Spain Under Franco (1939-1959): From Civil War to Monarchy

The Foundations of Departure and the Basis of "National Catholicism"

The three years of the Civil War left a trail of destruction, both human and material. Substantial human losses resulted, with thousands dead, exiled, or wounded. Shockingly, many of these casualties were young people. Agricultural and livestock production decreased due to labor shortages and damaged farmland. The reduction of foreign reserves accentuated existing debts. Significant moral decay resulted from the repression inflicted by both sides.

The new regime was essentially anti-Marxist and anti-liberal. It accused liberalism of anti-Catholic politics and of dissolving Spain's Catholic traditions. A significant feature was the major support given to the Catholic Church, which received aid for teaching and social programs (National Catholicism). Alongside the Church, the Franco regime had the support of the army and traditional economic forces.

The Era of Economic Autarky and Isolation

International isolation and the destruction caused by the war led to economic chaos, exacerbated by an ill-advised policy of interventionism and autarky. In agriculture, wheat prices were requisitioned, and production rates were controlled. This led to the emergence of a black market. Profits from the black market were then invested in industry. State intervention was evident with the creation of the INI (Instituto Nacional de Industria). Only from 1950 onward, with the first liberalizing measures, did the Spanish economy begin to improve.

The Era of Political Autarky and Isolation

The apparent dominance of the fascists in the early years of the regime is known as the "Blue Stage". Repression was exerted on the defeated, notably through the Law of Political Responsibilities. A policy of blaming Freemasonry and communism remained, and the criminal code was hardened. The institutionalization of "organic democracy" aimed to mitigate the regime's totalitarian character and led to the creation of the Spanish Courts (Cortes Españolas). This was the first step towards the envisioned "organic democracy".

After the war, the regime dictated the Fuero de los Españoles (Charter of the Spanish People), a kind of declaration of rights. In October 1945, the Referendum Law was promulgated, introducing a form of universal suffrage. Foreign policy shifted towards neutrality. Following World War II, the regime faced international isolation, with only Argentina maintaining relations. Spain's position improved with the signing of bilateral agreements with Portugal and the United States (for economic aid). The international isolation provoked a nationalist reaction. In 1947, the Law of Succession was proclaimed, establishing Spain as a monarchy.