Spanish Civil War Aftermath & Franco's Rise to Power

Consequences of the Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War left a devastating legacy:

1. High number of deaths: Approximately 450,000 casualties across both sides.
2. Mass exile: Nearly half a million refugees fled the country.
3. Executions during the war: An estimated 48,000 people were executed.
4. Repression of leftist sympathizers: Widespread humiliation, fines, and imprisonment targeted those identified with the left.
5. Economic suppression: Economic sanctions and confiscation of properties were common.
6. Purge of the public sector: A thorough cleansing occurred, involving fines, confiscation of assets, and dismissals. Vacancies were filled by supporters of the Franco regime. This purge extended to other professional groups like journalists, lawyers, doctors, and teachers.
7. Destruction of infrastructure: Half a million homes, a significant portion of the merchant navy, and numerous public and religious buildings were destroyed.
8. Debt incurred by the Nationalist side: Significant borrowings were made from other European powers.

The Genesis of the Franco Dictatorship

Initially, the Nationalist movement lacked a definite political project, but the importance of unifying the various factions supporting the troops became clear, leading to power accumulating under a single leader. In September 1936 (Note: The original text mentioned 1939, but Franco's election as head of state/government by the Nationalist junta was in Sept/Oct 1936), General Franco was chosen for several reasons:

• His perceived cold and reserved nature.
• His notable military successes leading the Army of Africa early in the war.
• His ability to maintain contacts with Germany and Italy.
• The absence of potential rivals, some of whom had died.

Franco decided against restoring the throne to Alfonso XIII. He appointed his brother-in-law, Ramón Serrano Suñer, to handle political affairs, allowing Franco to concentrate on the military leadership of the war.

Post-War Objectives

After the war, the immediate objectives adopted were:

• Dismantle the parliamentary, democratic, and constitutional system.
• Defend the economic interests of the groups that had supported the uprising.
• Build the foundations for an authoritarian state modeled on Italian Fascism.

Initial Reforms Under Franco

The reforms carried out by Franco upon consolidating power included:

• Annulment of the Agrarian Reform Law: Expropriated properties were returned, and laborers settled on these lands were expelled.
• Ban on political parties and labor groups: Freedom of association was eliminated.
• Creation of a single party: In April 1937 (Note: The Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS was created by decree in April 1937, not 1939), the Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS was established as the sole legal party, subordinated to the state. General Francisco Franco assumed its leadership, placing all political groups from the rebel side under his personal control.
• Abolition of the right to strike.
• Strict censorship: Freedom of expression was cancelled.
• Abolition of regional autonomy statutes.

The Role of the Catholic Church

The Catholic clergy provided ideological and propaganda support to the military rebels, often justifying the war as a necessary 'crusade' or rebellion. At the end of the war, the Church was rewarded:

• Republican laws affecting the Church were repealed.
• The divorce law was annulled.
• The Church gained significant control over both public and private education.