Spain's Political Trajectory: From Totalitarianism to Transition (1939-1975)

Spain's Political Trajectory (1939-1975)

Phase 1: Totalitarianism (1939-1959)

World War II (1939-1945)

Franco declared neutrality but showed sympathy for the Axis powers, sending the Blue Division to fight against the USSR. The dictatorship concealed its foundations and issued a false declaration of rights for Spaniards.

International Isolation (1945-1950)

Post-war, Spain was considered a remnant of European fascism, leading to its exclusion from the UN. Franco attempted to legitimize his rule with the Law of Succession, educating Prince Juan Carlos under his tutelage.

Cold War (1950-1959)

The US shifted its stance on Spain due to growing tensions with the USSR. By 1950, the UN accepted Spain's presence, and in 1955, Spain gained entry. UNESCO admission followed, and in 1953, Spain and the US signed a pact for US military bases in Spain. Franco also established the Principles of the Fundamental Law.

Phase 2: Technocracy (1959-1969)

Technocrats entered the government, modernizing the economy. The Law of Press (1966) and the Law of Religious Freedom (1967) were enacted, alongside the Organic Law of the State, a quasi-constitution designed to ensure the regime's survival after Franco's death. Spain joined the World Bank as its international isolation ended.

Phase 3: Decomposition (1969-1975)

With Franco's declining health, he appointed Carrero Blanco as his successor. Signs of decay included a distancing from the Church, growing opposition movements, and the rise of terrorist groups like ETA and FRAP. Two factions emerged: immobilists, resistant to change, and those advocating for democratic development. Carrero Blanco's assassination by ETA in 1973 further destabilized the regime.

Government of Arias Navarro (1973-1975)

Arias Navarro's rule was marked by increased repression. Support from Western democracies waned. In 1975, Navarro authorized the execution of five ETA and FRAP militants, sparking international outcry. In its final days, Franco's regime faced renewed international isolation, reminiscent of the 1940s.