Spanish Social and Economic Transformation: Franco's Regime

Paternalism in Francoist Spain

Paternalism in Francoist society, from a regenerationist perspective, aimed to improve the social situation of the Spanish people. To this end, a system of measures was designed as the start of social security and, in some areas, a scheme called Social Justice. This is evident in the measures proposed in the attempt to create the Social Security Act, which considered the concerns of the Spanish people as individuals, preceding earlier measures. Additionally, the Laws of the Jurisdiction of Work demonstrated that the regime granted greater liberalism to the Spanish people, offering them more favorable treatment in their relationships with entrepreneurs and in common freedoms.

The Stage of Stabilization and Economic Growth

After explaining the first stage and exposing its political and ideological foundations, we will continue with the stage of stabilization and economic growth. During this period, there was a shift from self-sufficiency to global economic openness (including the elimination of the national wheat policy) because the former did not function properly. Various laws concerning agriculture and industry were changed to improve performance, with the elimination of state intervention and the opening of foreign markets. To achieve all of this, a stabilization plan was created, which involved the removal of certain public issues.

Pacts with the Holy See and the United States

As a result of the depletion of autarky, pacts were made with the Holy See and the United States, from which the regime benefited on both sides. However, this came at the cost of reduced freedom for the Spanish public, including the removal of freedom of expression.

Political Impediments

• Law of Principles of the Movement

  This law expressed the Catholic confessional nature of the state and its masculinity, imposing individual interests upon the common good. Old assumptions of the Phalangists became apparent, with a regime led by the JONS (Juntas de Ofensiva Nacional Sindicalista). It relates to the stabilization stage because those who were well-regarded by the church were retained in an attempt to reconcile and improve relations with the global economy. As previously discussed, during this stage, reconciliation with the Vatican was achieved.

• Organic Law of the State

  This law separated the power of the former head of state from the head of government (who was appointed by him). It defined Spain as a kingdom with national sovereignty and addressed other inquiries. As already stated, the intention was to open up to the global market, not with the aim of liberating the state (monarchy) but rather with the intention of economic liberalization.