The Last Days of Franco: Spain 1975

During WWII Spain’s position was neutral, primarily because of the devastating effects of the economy following the Spanish Civil War. Yet, General Francisco Franco, ruler of Spain, openly favored the countries that supported him during the war, especially Germany and Italy. He therefore allowed them access to Spain’s port as well as sold raw materials to them.

Considered a hostile power by the victors of WWII, Spain pulled back its support from Germany and became strongly neutralized. Franco further pulled the Falange faction from its political role in the government and dropped imprisonment and executions dramatically. He remained politically and socially isolated whereby many countries disassociated themselves from Spain. This was evident by them excluding Spain from NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. In response to this alienation Franco promised that a king would assume leadership when he no longer was Spain’s ruler and declared Spain a monarchy.

Throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s Spain embraced the idea of isolationism. Economy recovery was believed to be achieved a means of self-sufficiency through rigorous state regulation. Deprived of any and all foreign investments, Spain’s infrastructure remained in ruins. Its agricultural production was struggling. Wages declined and the black market grew. Poor medical care permeated throughout the provinces and malnourishment ensued. Shut off from the outer world Spain suffered.

The Korean War caused other countries to reevaluate their position with Spain. By 1953, the United States opened diplomatic relationship and granted Spain economic aid in return for access to their military and naval bases. This was shortly followed by admittance to NATO. These acts resulted in open diplomatic relations with other nations.

Franco’s policy of isolationism was reorganized. He lifted many governmental controls, increased public investment and accepted a major cabinet reorganization in 1957 named the Opus Dei.

A socially conservative Roman Catholic organization, the Opus Dei, developed a stabilized plan for domestic economic growth. It devalued Spain’s currency and obtained loans from the United States. In addition, it opened the country to foreign investors whereby tourism was encouraged. Workers seeking jobs in other countries were also permitted to do so. Spain’s opening to the world proved most beneficial for its economic improvement.

The 1960’s brought economic wealth to Spain. Foreign currency poured into the county through tourism and Spanish workers abroad sending monies home. Agricultural workers sought better pay jobs in the cities, even though the mechanization of agriculture increased production and reduced cost. Wages went up as well as labor. Organized unofficial trade unions were allowed a voice to press the government to improve upon their wages, benefits and working conditions.

Housing programs, secondary and university expansion became demands as overwhelming migration from the country side to the cities took place. The illiteracy rate fell dramatically. The Spanish gained exposure to urban ideas and ways of life, moving Spain into an urbanized society. This move was brought about by worker prosperity.

Franco allowed a small amount of political liberalization with the great economic grown in the 1960’s. Workers were permitted to strike for sole economic reasons. Censorship of the press was relaxed and the Spanish Cortes was given more power and representation in government. He reaffirmed his declaration that Spain was a monarch and even named Juan Carlos de Borbon, grandson of Alfonso XIII, his successor once his regime came to an end.

During the last years of General Francisco Franco’s regime the independence of Equatorial Guinea was granted. Shortly after 1968, Spanish Sahara was given to Morocco and Mauritania. Spain was a prosperous growth and moving towards liberalization by the early 1970’s. In 1973 a prime minister’s post was reinstated and headed by Admiral Luis Carrero Blanco. His unexpected death made his replacement Carlos Arias Navarro, push further toward liberalization.

Franco died in November of 1975 and as promised Prince Juan Carlos de Borbon became head of state and known as King Juan Carlos 1.