Francoist Spain

File:United States Navy Band - Marcha Real.ogg}}_|thumb|United_States_Navy_Band_-_Marcha_Real.ogg]]}}_]]

Meeting_at_Hendaye_(en.wiki)

President_Gerald_R._Ford_and_Generalissimo_Francisco_Franco_Riding_in_a_Ceremonial_Parade_in_Madrid,_Spain_-_NARA_-_23869171

Error creating thumbnail:

Desfile_de_tropas_por_las_calles_de_San_Sebastián_(14_de_20)_-_Fondo_Car-Kutxa_Fototeka

Error creating thumbnail:

Francoist_demonstration_in_Salamanca

Error creating thumbnail:

Acto_de_la_Falange_celebrado_en_un_salón_de_La_Perla_del_Océano_(1_de_3)_-_Fondo_Marín-Kutxa_Fototeka

Francisco_Franco_en_la_iglesia_de_Santa_María_durante_la_celebración_de_la_Salve_(5_de_9)_-_Fondo_Car-Kutxa_Fototeka

Spanish State Estado Español
1939–1975
Spain in 1950 Spain in 1950
Status	Unitary one-party state under a military dictatorship
Capital	Madrid
Common languages	Spanish
Government	Unitary one-party military dictatorship
Caudillo
• 1939–1975	Francisco Franco
Historical era	20th century
• End of the Spanish Civil War	1 April 1939
• Death of Francisco Franco	20 November 1975
Currency	Spanish peseta
ISO 3166 code	[[ISO 3166-2:ES |ES ]]
Preceded by Succeeded by Second Spanish Republic Spanish transition to democracy

Francoist Spain refers to the period of Spanish history between 1939 and 1975 when Francisco Franco ruled Spain as a military dictator. This era began with the end of the Spanish Civil War and concluded with Franco's death. The regime is characterized by its authoritarian nature, nationalist policies, and the suppression of political opposition.

Historical Background

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was a conflict between the Republicans, who supported the Second Spanish Republic, and the Nationalists, led by Franco. The Nationalists emerged victorious, leading to the establishment of Francoist Spain. The regime was marked by its alignment with fascist ideologies, although it did not fully align with Nazi Germany or Fascist Italy.

Political Structure

Francoist Spain was a unitary state with a centralized government. Franco held the title of Caudillo and wielded absolute power. The regime was characterized by the absence of democratic institutions and the suppression of political parties, trade unions, and other forms of political dissent. The only legal party was the Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS, which merged various right-wing factions.

Economy

The economy of Francoist Spain went through several phases. Initially, it was marked by autarky and economic isolation, which led to stagnation and hardship. However, from the late 1950s onwards, the regime adopted more liberal economic policies, leading to the Spanish economic miracle of the 1960s. This period saw rapid industrialization, modernization, and significant economic growth.

Social Policies

Francoist Spain was deeply conservative, with policies that emphasized traditional Catholic values. The regime maintained strict control over education, media, and cultural institutions. The Catholic Church played a significant role in public life, and policies were often influenced by religious doctrine. Women's rights were severely restricted, and the regime promoted a patriarchal society.

Repression and Human Rights

The regime was notorious for its repression of political dissent. Thousands of political opponents were imprisoned, executed, or forced into exile. The secret police and other security forces maintained strict surveillance over the population. Censorship was widespread, and freedom of speech, assembly, and association were severely curtailed.

Foreign Relations

Francoist Spain maintained a policy of neutrality during World War II, although it provided support to the Axis powers. After the war, Spain was initially isolated by the international community but gradually gained acceptance during the Cold War due to its anti-communist stance. The signing of the Pact of Madrid in 1953 with the United States marked a significant shift in Spain's international relations.

Transition to Democracy

The death of Franco in 1975 marked the end of the Francoist regime. His designated successor, Juan Carlos I, initiated a process of democratization known as the Spanish transition to democracy. This period saw the establishment of democratic institutions, the legalization of political parties, and the drafting of a new constitution in 1978.

Related Pages

• Spanish Civil War
• Francisco Franco
• Second Spanish Republic
• Spanish transition to democracy
• Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS
• Spanish economic miracle
• Pact of Madrid