Spain in the 20th century, from dictatorship to democracy
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The Spanish Civil War began in 1936 when General Francisco Franco led a military coup against the Spanish Republic. Spain was divided between Franco's Nationalists and the Republicans who supported the Republic. The Nationalists were victorious in 1939 and Franco established a dictatorship that lasted until his death in 1975. Under Franco there was repression of political opposition and regional cultures. After Franco's death in 1975, King Juan Carlos I oversaw the transition to democracy, appointing Adolfo Suárez to begin political reforms including free elections, legalizing political parties and unions. Spain established a new democratic constitution in 1978.
Spain in the 20th century, from dictatorship to democracy
- 2. The Spanish Civil War: 1936-1939 General Francisco Franco and his group opposed the Republic. On 18 July 1936, he led a military coup against the Republic and the Civil War began. Spain was divided into two sides: the Republicans (supporters of Republic) and the Nationalists (supporters of General Franco). The war officially ended on 1 April 1939 with a Nationalist victory.
- 3. Investigate! Look at the map. What direction did the Nationalists follow in the war. Analyse and write it in your notebook . (Main Republican cities were Bilbao, Madrid, Málaga, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, Almería)
- 4. From dictatorship to democracy When the Civil War ended in 1939, General Franco established a dictatorship which lasted until his death in 1975. In the years following the war, Franco embarked on a policy based on Autarchy (economic self-sufficiency). This meant Franco cut off almost all international trade. In the 1960s, with the economy on the verge of bankruptcy, Franco lifted the ban he had imposed and Spain began to prosper again and tourism became an important part of the economy.
- 5. Life during the Francoist regime Repression Many thousands of people were sent to prison for their political beliefs. Lack of freedom The press was restricted, trade unions were banned and protest were repressed. Starvation People had ration books which specified the quantity of first necessity goods they could buy. Cultural restrictions Many regional traditions were repressed. (For example?)
- 6. Critical Thinking: Criteria D Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of economic self-sufficiency. Which aspects of it do you agree with? Why or why not? What do “press restriction” refer to? Do you think newspapers could remain objective during this period?
- 7. The transition to democracy As Franco had declared Spain a monarchy, he needed a successor. In 1969, he chose Prince Juan Carlos. Franco thought that the regime would continue under Juan Carlos. However, as soon as he became king, Juan Carlos took steps to make Spain a constitutional monarchy. In 1975, General Franco died and the transition from a dictatorship to democracy began.
- 8. Step towards democracy King Juan Carlos I appointed Adolfo Suárez as Prime Minister in 1976. Suárez began the difficult process of a political reform that would lead to free elections and a democratic state. Some of the actions Adolfo Suárez took were: the release of political prisoners. the dissolution of the secret police the legalisation of the right to strike and form trade unions. the legalisation of all political parties. The introduction of a new electoral law (Ley electoral) which led to free elections in 1977.
- 9. From 1978 to present day In 1978, the Spanish Constitution was approved by Parliament and then by the Spanish people in a referendum. Since 1978, several Prime Ministers from different political parties have governed Spain. In 1986 Spain joined the European Union (EU) and in 2002 Spain adopted the euro.
- 10. Critical thinking: Criteria D Do you think it was hard for people to trust King Juan Carlos I? Justify your answer Look at the dates and say what they refer to. 1939, 1969, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978 What is the difference between a dictatorship and democracy?
Editor's Notes
- #3: Franco did successful job in Africa. Republic admitted and became general. He was one of the military persons who planned a coup against Rivera. He never rejected Monarchy.
- #5: Outarki verge: just about, impose: be forced to accept
- #6: Republic, Communists Franco promoted bullfighting and flamenco, particularly, as strong symbols of Spain, despite the fact that flamenco was actually an Andalusian, and therefore regional, tradition.
- #7: Limited information although it´s right or not. Killed military, caught one person in two days and send him to jail.
- #8: Transition 1975-1977 King was a leader. Until 1977, Spain was not democracy. Adolfo was from UCD. Union de Centro de Democratico. Since Franco won the civil war, he was in favour of Monarchy. 1947 people vote for Monarchy. Also Franco didn´t like Juan.
- #9: Opposed Franco, 1977 Adolfo was elected. UCD Before, he was no in a party. Including Republic is legal.