FRANCO’S DICTATORSHIP
Francisco Franco Military man born in El Ferrol (Galicia) Fascist dictator: Head of State Head of Government Supreme General of the Armed Forces Entitled as “Caudillo de España por la Gracia de Dios” Law of Succession: Spain became a monarchy: he would be regent. So... : Spanish State (Estado Español) : Spanish Kingdom (Reino de España) In 1969 Franco decided Juan Carlos I would be his successor after his death. He controlled everything: army + high bourgeoisie + Catholic Church
He had the support of: Falange (FET y de las JONS) Carlists Roman Catholic Church other Conservative elements: (monarchists, nobility...)
Falange's flag Carlist flag
Isolation years ( ) Franco and Hitler met in Hendaye to join the Axis power in the Second World War: no agreement was reached, but... Franco sent military aid to Russia: Division Azul Isolation years: UN resolution: condemn Franco's regime Embargo and borders closed Rationing cards Autarky/Self-sufficient economic system
Economic autarky Subsistence: hunger + ration books + high inflation Reduction of imports Self-sufficiency State-controlled production State-funded industry Construction of infrastructure (heavily damaged by Civil War)
End of Isolation and economic development: USA needed allies in Europe against Soviet Union (Cold War) US president and Franco met in 1953 Spain received financial benefits and food from US US received military bases (strategic location) Spanish government signed a concordat with the Vatican Accept foreign investment promote industrialisation Rural exodus cities looking for a job 1970: tourism and industry increased Better economic situation but still emigration To France, Germany, Switzerland...
Franco's last years His health was declining, so Carrero Blanco was named Prime Minister Operación Ogro: Carrero Blanco killed by ETA A commando led by Argala put a bomb under the road Highly celebrated in the Basque Country Taking revenge, Franco executed 2 members of ETA and 3 members of FRAP
opposition Sixties: General strikes and demonstrations in the streets cruel repressive policy Creation of ETA (1959) Euskadi Ta Askatasuna: a Basque armed group created by university students: low-intensity war With the purpose of fighting Franco´s dictatorship To get the independence of the Basque Country Other armed groups: Grapo, FRAP, DRIL PCE fought from underground
The hole left by the bomb Luis Carrero Blanco Argala Carrero's car after the attempt
Francoism: characteristics No political ideology Military dictatorship Strong authoritarianism, nationalism, militarism No aims to transform society: conservative and traditional Roman Catholic Church: nacionalcatolicismo Rejection of Communism, Socialism, Anarchism Rejection of peripheral nationalism: Basque, Catalan No room for political opposition
All opponents were banned and persecuted Violent political repression Towns and rural areas patrolled by Guardia Civil Large cities and capitals by Policia Armada Basque and Catalan nationalism oppressed Their language forbidden Left-wing parties forbidden (PSOE, PCE, UGT...) PNV went into exile Brutal repression: by ,000 prisoners and 30,000 had been killed Until 60's no real opposition apart from some isolated “maquis”
Flamenco and bullfighting promoted as Spanish traditions Football was also promoted to keep people happy CATHOLICISM: the only official religion Civil marriages were declared non-valid Homosexuality: criminal offense Divorce, contraceptives and abortion were forbidden Traditional vision of women: (sección femenina)
Franco died in As he ordered, Juan Carlos de Borbon became the Head of State in 1975, as “King of Spain” - In 1978 Spain was proclaimed a Constitutional Monarchy Valle de los Caidos
Let's see some pictures...
Franco designed Juan Carlos his successor
Francoist flag
FRAP members: -Jose Humberto Baena -Jose Luis Sanchez Bravo -Ramon Garcia Sanz The last militants executed by Franco: ETA members: -Juan Paredes Manot “Txiki” -Angel Otaegi
Franco's corpse
A current picture: volunteers looking for victims of Franco
Salvador Puig Antich: an anarchist militant killed by Garrote Vil
Garrote Vil
THE END