Spain's Transformation: Technocracy, Society, and Economy (1953-1971)

Technocracy and Franco's Government (1953-1971)

The period of Technocracy under Franco (1953-1971) marked a significant shift where the regime sought ministers with a technical profile to engage with the international community. This led to the rise of technocrats (1956-1971), who, despite their technical expertise, were primarily chosen for their unwavering loyalty to Franco. Many of these technicians belonged to Opus Dei, a Catholic organization founded by Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer. Opus Dei aimed to infiltrate and promote its members within government sectors, ensuring access to influential positions and adherence to their ideology. Unlike Freemasonry, which was often seen as anti-religious, Opus Dei was deeply religious, yet similarly sought to place its members in key positions to influence government policy and consolidate its power.

Spain's Social Transformation (1959-1975)

Spain underwent a profound social transformation, shifting from a predominantly rural and impoverished society to an urban middle-class population. The economic models implemented between 1959 and 1975, while dictatorial, spurred significant changes. However, these economic and social shifts also led to social confrontations within the dictatorship. The emerging middle classes were not inherently revolutionary, but the economic and social evolution of the 1960s ultimately contributed to the eventual decline of the Franco dictatorship.

Economic shifts were the primary drivers of this social change. Internal migration saw people move from rural areas to urban and industrial centers, particularly from regions like:

• Extremadura
• Andalusia
• Galicia
• Castile
• Catalonia
• Madrid
• Basque Country

External migration involved Spaniards moving to other European countries such as Germany, France, and Switzerland.

Demographic Shifts in Spain

In 1957, the Spanish population was 29.7 million inhabitants. By 1970, it had grown to 34 million inhabitants. This growth was a direct result of economic prosperity and improved living conditions.

Distribution by Profession (1950-1975)

The following table illustrates the significant changes in professional distribution across Spain's economic sectors:

The primary sector's share of employment decreased by more than half, while the secondary and tertiary sectors grew significantly, reflecting the overall population increase and economic shift towards industrialization and services.

Urban Population Growth

The urban population, defined as those living in towns over 10,000 inhabitants, grew substantially from 23% in 1950 to 70% in 1970, indicating rapid urbanization across Spain.

Migration Patterns

• Internal Migration: A significant shift occurred from rural areas to cities. Major urban centers like Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, and Valencia benefited from this influx. Regions most affected by emigration included Andalusia, Castile, Extremadura, and Galicia. Catalonia, for example, experienced rapid growth, with its population increasing from 3.8 million inhabitants in 1960 to 5.1 million in 1970.
• External Migration: Large-scale movements of workers to countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and France occurred, seeking better employment opportunities and new homes. Approximately 200,000 Spaniards became permanent migrants during this period.

Rise of the Consumer Society

The emergence of a consumer society was marked by the widespread desire for modern conveniences. Iconic items of the era included the Fiat 600, black and white televisions, refrigerators, and improved housing, which became objects of aspiration for many Spaniards.

Shifting Mentality and Cultural Evolution

Several factors contributed to a significant change in the national mentality:

• Mass Production: The availability of mass-produced goods transformed daily life and expectations.
• Tourism: The influx of foreign visitors exposed Spaniards to new ideas and cultures, broadening perspectives.
• Emigration: Experiencing life abroad broadened perspectives for many Spaniards, bringing back new influences.
• Elevation of the Cultural Level: Driven by a growing need for skilled labor, there was a significant push for educational advancement. This was crucial given the prevalence of illiteracy and the general low cultural level in earlier periods, which education aimed to combat.