Spanish Post-Civil War: Repression, Emigration, and Economic Hardship

Post-Civil War Spain

Repression and Exile

The Spanish Civil War concluded with overcrowded prisons filled with Republican political prisoners. Many Republicans, committed to the Republic, fled Spain through the Pyrenees, with an estimated 400,000 seeking refuge in France. Their return was complicated by the difficult situation France faced during World War II. Spanish emigration to the Americas also became a notable episode of the war. Expeditions of emigrants, including prominent writers and intellectuals, journeyed to Mexico. France also became a haven for Spanish exiles, while in Mexico, Republican activity resumed, with Republican courts convened as late as 1945 by the Republican government-in-exile.

Franco's Repression

Franco's dictatorship began with the destruction of Spain's perceived enemies. The goal was to annul any opposition. The regime established legislation, including the 1939 Law of Political Responsibilities, to exert total control and purge those who had collaborated with the Republic. In 1940, the Law of Communist Repression further solidified the regime's control. Military trials led to the deaths of many individuals. Civil trials were also established, resulting in imprisonment and confiscation of assets. In 1963, the Court of Public Order was created.

Opposition and Guerrilla Warfare

Opposition to the regime persisted. Guerrilla fighters attempted to infiltrate the peninsula through the Vall d'Aran from France, but the opposition was ultimately overwhelmed. Many domestic organizations, such as the PSOE, were nearly eradicated.

Economic Hardship and Social Unrest

The 1950s were marked by economic strangulation and depletion, necessitating a policy reorientation. The regime's policies impoverished the population, increased inequality, and worsened income distribution. Wage reductions and harsh living conditions led to social unrest. Between 1945 and 1947, conflicts erupted. In 1951, a protest movement began in Barcelona over rising tram fares and stagnant wages, highlighting the economic discontent. Poor harvests and reduced food imports led to widespread hunger.

Shifting International Relations

The Cold War prompted the United States to alter its stance towards the Franco regime. Following the detonation of the first Soviet atomic bomb in 1949, the U.S. began providing economic aid to Spain. In 1950, Spain was admitted to international bodies, and the UN recommended ending the diplomatic isolation of Madrid.

Government Reshuffle and Opus Dei

In 1951, Franco reshuffled his government, combining Falangists and Catholics, and introducing less authoritarian figures. Admiral Blanco was brought in, aiming to end Spain's isolation. These efforts, along with economic aid, helped to stabilize the situation. However, between 1956 and 1958, a wave of protests and wage demands led to further social unrest, forcing Franco to change his government again. In 1957, figures from the Catholic institution Opus Dei entered the government as ministers.