Spanish Dictatorship under Francisco Franco

The discussion revolves around the exhumation of Francisco Franco's remains, his legacy, and the period of dictatorship in Spain.

Exhumation of Francisco Franco

• Mention of the exhumation of Franco's remains from Valle de los Caídos, sparking significant controversy.

• Reference to people justifying Franco's actions, including the civil war that brought him to power.

• Discussion about the year when the Franco dictatorship began (1939) and ended (1975), highlighting its duration and impact on Spain.

Introduction to Franco's Dictatorship

• Introduction by Professor José Antonio Lucero discussing a summary of the long period of Francoist dictatorship post-Spanish Civil War.

• Description of Spain living under General Franco's personal dictatorship between 1939 and 1975, emphasizing his military background and nationalist beliefs.

Characteristics of Franquismo

• Explanation of Franquismo as a regime lacking freedoms with total power vested in the dictator.

• Evolution and establishment of Franquismo during the Spanish Civil War due to military needs, leading to a personal dictatorship under Franco.

Ideological Foundations of Franquismo

This section delves into the ideological underpinnings that shaped Franquismo in Spain.

Ideological Principles

• Description of how Franquismo drew principles from various sources like Falange, Carlism, Catholic Church, and Spanish conservatism.

• Key characteristics include rejection of liberal democracy, strong anti-communism stance leading to repression, and promotion of national syndicalism among workers.

Nationalistic Elements

• Emphasis on an intense nationalism promoting a centralized and uniform Spain while suppressing regional identities.

Detailed Overview of the Francoist Regime

This section provides an in-depth analysis of the key pillars and supporters of the Francoist regime, shedding light on its structure and sources of power.

The Military Support

• The military played a crucial role in supporting the Francoist dictatorship, with many high-ranking officials being military personnel.

• Commanders from the Guardia Civil and Policía Armada formed part of the supportive network known as Poder Tiso Asivo.

Influence of the Catholic Church

• The Catholic Church held significant legislative power within the dictatorship, especially following the 1953 concordat with the Holy See.

• Over time, a segment of the clergy distanced itself from the regime due to Vatican II conflicts.

Falange and Traditionalists

• Falange and traditionalists were integral to state bureaucracy, providing propaganda functions and symbolic support.

• Other social supports included conservative factions, landowners regaining influence post-expropriation era.

Socioeconomic Backing

• Various groups supported Francoism, including conservative right-wingers, small farmers, financiers benefiting from stability.

• Propaganda-induced political demobilization was widespread among citizens during this period.

Evolution of Francoist Regime: 1939 - 1967

This section delves into three pivotal stages that characterized the Francoist regime's evolution over its existence.

Totalitarian Phase (1939 - 1959)

• Marked by economic setbacks and harsh repression against dissenting elements.

• Spain's alignment with Axis powers during WWII influenced internal policies like controlled Cortes representation.

International Relations & Image Building

• Post-WWII perception led to Spain's isolation; efforts like National Referendum Law aimed at projecting democratic facade.

• Transition towards monarchy under Franco's perpetual leadership aimed at improving international standing.

Economic Shift: Autarky to Technocracy

• Anticommunist stance bolstered Spain's global image; agreements with US & Vatican enhanced regime legitimacy.

Franco's Regime and Transition to Democracy

This section discusses the modernization of the economy and society under Franco, his successor, socio-economic changes in the 1950s, economic challenges, and societal transformations leading up to Franco's death.

Franco's Modernization Efforts

• Franco dismissed technocratic ministers from Lópus Dey, leading to economic and social modernization.

• In 1969, Franco designated Prince Juan Carlos as his successor.

Socio-Economic Changes in the 1950s

• The 1950s saw moderate economic growth with rising wages but also inflation.

• Economic challenges included reduced state reserves due to imports, addressed by the stabilization plan of 1959.

Transition Period and Challenges

• The late Franco era faced a crisis marked by regime decline and Franco's death in 1975.

• Signs of regime decomposition emerged with dissent within the government and opposition mobilization.

Social Transformations and Opposition Movements

This section delves into social changes during the late Franco era, including demographic shifts, urbanization trends, lifestyle improvements, educational reforms, evolving mindsets among Spaniards, and emerging opposition movements.

Social Changes in Spain

• The early 1970s witnessed a demographic increase alongside shifts from agrarian to industrial societies.

• Urbanization led to a rise in middle-class urban populations with improved living standards.

Educational Reforms and Cultural Shift

• Educational reforms like compulsory schooling until age 14 reduced illiteracy rates.

• Spaniards experienced mindset shifts through exposure to urban life, television, tourism, fostering political awareness.

Emergence of Opposition Movements

• Post-war opposition persisted through exile while internal resistance grew from the '50s onwards.

• Social changes facilitated widespread opposition movements from the '60s onwards.

Transition Period: End of Franco's Regime

This segment explores key opposition groups during Tardo Franquismo leading up to Franco's death in November 1975. It highlights significant events that shaped Spain's transition towards democracy post-Franco.

Diverse Opposition Movements

• Opposition comprised labor movements aligned with parties like PSOE and nationalist groups such as Catalan and Basque separatists.

Impactful Resistance Groups

• ETA emerged as a prominent terrorist group influencing this period significantly.

Social Unrest Setting Stage for Democracy