Spanish provinces

As a result of the war and due to the economic Policy of the government, the 40s decade Was economicaly disastrous.

The only Economic policy followed was autarchy. With this, Franco wanted to be self-sufficient, In order to avoid importing foreign Products.

Imports were limited. Franco Said that they could only buy the Products that could not be produced in Spain. Moreover, he offered to Spanish industries economic help And lighter taxes to protect them.

Cereal production was regulated. Franco forced peasants to sell their Production to the SNT (Servicio Nacional de Trigo). This service decided the prices and they sold The cereal to producers.

In 1941, the INI (Instituto Nacional de Industria) was created to develop Spanish industry. The INI was created with a group of public companies that left Capital and management in the hands Of the State. Unfortunately, the products Manufactured in Spanish industries were of poor Quality and they could not be sold In foreign countries.

The interventionism Of the state was aimed at favourising Those who helped them during the war; this is, landowners, businessmen and bank managers.

The amount of money per citizen (per capita) was reduced; production of Spanish industry reduced due to the lack of raw materials, capital and technology; inflation increased and money lost its Value; payment balance was desequilibred (Spain bought more than It sold)…

From The 50s on, a period Of recovery started, due to the US Help and the new economic policy. Spanish government decided to open to The international market. As a result, Spanish Economy grew, but the payment balance was desequilibrated and The state was close to go bankrupt.

Franco put in the government technocrats of the Opus Dei, who designed a Stabilization Plan to innovate and liberalise Spanish economy. Some of the measures taken were devaluation Of the pezeta and facilities of other Countries to invest in Spain.

This plan reduced Inflation and solved the Disequilibrium of the payment Balance. On the other hand, unemployment Rose, but in general, this Stabilization Plan was positive and made possible the growth of the 60s.

Until 1950, there were 10.000 Soldiers in the mountains, the Maquis, who attacked fascist Settlements and councils. A majority Of them were communist and they Did not receive the support of the citizens.

In the 40s Decade, the first strikes started In industrial areas to protest against The political system. In May 1947, Eusko Jaurlaritza in the exile tried To take advantage of the international isolationism to call 30.000 workers to a strike. This was the resistence against Franco. In 1951, the conflicts became more frequent and police occupied factories and many workers were made redundant.

Repression Was harsh and the Government punished the actions Of unions or political parties with Imprisionements or death penalties. The actions of the republican government in the exile did not have any result.

In 1945, Don Juan, who was going to be the King, asked for restoration of the Monarchy, but after a meeting with Franco, Don Juan only agreed to send his son Juan Carlos to study in Spain and receive franconist formation.

During The 50s, the regime Obtained internal stability. Anyway, there were sent several groups Opposing to the regime: workers strikes, university students´ actions, activity Of exiliates…

At the End of the 40s decade, opposition increased and the Regime continued with his reppresive policy and answered with police violence.