EL FRANQUISMO (1939-1975) | Resumen fundamental del periodo

Who Was Franco and Why Is He Remembered?

Introduction to Franco's Legacy

• The discussion begins with a question about Francisco Franco, highlighting the ongoing interest in his legacy and the recent exhumation of his remains from Valle de los Caídos.

• Franco is introduced as the "Caudillo of Spain" and a significant historical figure whose dictatorship began after the Spanish Civil War.

Establishment of Franco's Dictatorship

• The regime established by Franco was characterized as a personal dictatorship that sought to enforce a singular ideology while restricting individual freedoms.

• Three main pillars supported Franco's regime: the military, Falange (a fascist-inspired movement), and the Catholic Church, each playing crucial roles in legitimizing and maintaining power.

Phases of Franco's Regime

First Phase: The Blue Stage (1939 - 1945)

• This initial phase saw significant influence from Falange, marking Spain as a fascist dictatorship. Ramón Serrano Suñer emerged as a key figure during this period.

• Important milestones included the approval of the Law for Constitution of Cortes in 1942, which outlined political principles for the regime.

International Relations During WWII

• Spain declared itself an "ally but non-belligerent" during World War II, engaging in discussions with Hitler despite not formally entering the conflict.

• The "Blue Division," composed of volunteer soldiers fighting alongside Germany against Soviet forces, exemplified Spain’s involvement.

Economic Policies: Autarky

• The regime adopted autarkic policies aiming for economic self-sufficiency, leading to severe hardships known as "the years of hunger."

• State interventionism resulted in fixed prices and wages but created an uncompetitive economy rife with corruption and black markets.

Repression and Opposition

• Systematic repression targeted individuals associated with democratic movements or leftist ideologies through laws like Political Responsibilities Law.

• Guerrilla opposition emerged through groups like Maquis, who resisted from mountainous regions but lost hope after WWII ended without Allied intervention.

Transitioning After WWII

Second Phase: Post-War Adjustments

• Following Axis defeats in WWII, Spain distanced itself from previous alliances due to their threat to regime survival.

The Evolution of Franco's Regime

Shift in Power Dynamics (1945)

• Franco's regime began to emphasize its Catholic identity and monarchical aspects to distance itself from fascism, leading to a diminished role for the Falange.

• The United Nations condemned Spain for lacking a democratic regime, resulting in the withdrawal of most foreign ambassadors, except those from Argentina, Portugal, and the Vatican.

Breaking International Isolation (1950s)

• To combat international isolation, Franco enacted laws portraying his regime as democratic, such as the Fuero de los Españoles and the National Referendum Law.

• The Cold War context allowed Franco to position Spain as an anti-communist stronghold, gaining support from both the Vatican and the United States through significant agreements.

Economic Growth Under Technocrats (1956-1969)

• By 1956, internal conflicts arose between students opposing the regime and Falangists; this prompted Franco to rely on Catholic technocrats from Opus Dei.

• This period saw economic reforms that led to substantial industrial growth fueled by low wages and foreign investments.

Migration and Tourism Boom

• Industrial expansion attracted rural populations to urban areas like Madrid and Catalonia; tourism emerged as a key economic driver by the late 1960s due to favorable conditions for European visitors.

Political Turmoil Leading Up to Carrero Blanco's Assassination

• In 1969, corruption scandals forced Franco to appoint Admiral Luis Carrero Blanco as head of state amidst rising labor conflicts and clandestine political opposition.

The Transition from Franco's Dictatorship to Democracy

The Final Years of Franco's Regime

• In his last year, dictator Francisco Franco appointed Carlos Arias Navarro as president, who struggled to address the economic crisis stemming from the 1973 oil crisis and increasing social unrest.

• The end of Salazar's dictatorship in Portugal inspired many within Spain to believe that Franco could also be overthrown, further complicating the regime's stability.

• Franco died on November 20, 1975, after a prolonged illness; two days later, Juan Carlos I was proclaimed king of Spain amidst significant political tension.

The Aftermath of Franco’s Death

• Franco was buried in the Valley of the Fallen, a mausoleum he commissioned for those considered martyrs of the Spanish Civil War.