1950s
Political
- As the Cold War depends, the US gradually improves relations with Spain, extending loans in return for military bases.
- In 1955 Spain is admitted to the UN.
- In 1959 the Eta armed separatist group is founded. Its aim is fighting for an independent homeland in the Basque region of Spain and France. Its violent campaign begins with an attempt to derail a train carrying politicians in 1961.
1950s
Social
- Bullfighting + Flamenco: Promoted as national traditions
- Those not considered Spanish were suppressed
- All cultural activities subject to censorship + many forbidden entirely
- Basically just more/a continuation of everything from the previous decade....
1950s
Economic
- In 1958 Spain is admitted to the World Bank, and other European countries open up to the Franco government.
- El Milagro Espanol (the economic miracle of the late 1950’s) saw Spain’s manufacturing and tourism industries take off through liberalization of state controls over the next two decades.
1960s
Political
- Spain actively sought return of Gibraltar by UK (support by UN)
- During 1960s, Spain began imposing restrictions on Gibraltar cultivating in the closure of the border in 1969 (not fully reopened until 1985)
- Gradually relinquished remaining African colonies
- In 1968 the West African colony of Spanish Guinea gains independence as Equatorial Guinea.
- Spanish rule in Morocco ended in 1967
- Back at home, Uni students seeking democracy revolted in late 1960s - early 70s but repressed by “grises”
1960s
Social
The harsh cultural policies relaxed over time.
1960s
Economic
- Economic growth picked up after 1959 after Franco took authority away from these ideologues and gave more power to the liberal technocrats.
- Implementation of several development policies and growth took off
- Spain became the second fastest-growing economy in the world, just behind Japan.
- Rapid development = Spanish Miracle
- Tide of mass emigration helped the Régime in two ways
- International firms established their factories in Spain -> Virgin Market
- Gap between Spain’s GDP per capita and that of the major Western European economies had greatly narrowed
- Spain enjoying a fairly high material standard of living with basic but comprehensive services
1940s
Political
Authoritarianism
Nationalism
Catholicism
Militarism
Conservatism
Anti-Communism
Anti-Liberalism
- Uniting of right wing parties -> Falange (Fascist) and banning/collapse of left wing = SINGLE PARTY STATE
Falange was commonly referred to as "Movimiento (Nacional)" instead of party
- Officially neutral in WWII -> 1946, UN Security Council describes Franco gov. "Fascist" (denying its recognition) -> Many countries sever diplomatic relations
- Fully centralized form of government
- Franco eliminated autonomy granted by Second Spanish Republic in some regions
- 1947, Franco proclaimed Spain a monarchy (but did not designate a monarch)
- 1940s
- 1950s
- 1960s
- 1970s
- 1980s
Second Spanish Republic
1940s
Social
- Political Ideologies polarized
- 1931 - 1936 monarchy overthrown and complex coalitions made and removed
- Civil War 1936 - 1939
- After Civil War Franco comes into power
- Gov. attention and initiatives irregular (due to centralization gov) = inequalities in schooling, healthcare etc.
- Church more powerful than it had been in centuries -> State Religion
- Remained largely economically/culturally isolated from the rest of the world
- Rural areas patrolled by Guardia Civil
- Urban areas patrolled by Policia Armada => Social Control
- Promoted unitary national identity by repressing Spain's cultural diversity
- Language politics -> National homogeneity
- Encouragement of traditional gender roles through propaganda
1940s
Economic
- Economy improved little
- Franco initially pursued a policy of autarky, cutting off almost all international trade. The policy had devastating effects, and the economy stagnated.
- Estimates of up to 200,000 people died of starvation during the early years of Francoism, a period known as Los Años de Hambre (the Years of Hunger)
1980s
Pre
Franco
Economic
1980s
In 1986 Spain joins the European Economic Community (EEC), which later becomes the European Union.
Social
This is relevant guys we promise!
1980s
Political
20th Century SPANISH HISTORY
Spanish Civil War
- 1980 118 people are killed in Eta’s bloodiest year so far.
- 1981, 23-F coup attempt -> failed
- 1982 another coup plot by right - wing extremists
- Socialists win a large majority in next election and form a government.
- Spain joins NATO in 1982
- Numerous battles and sieges until the Rebels, lead by Franco, won
- Italy, Germany and USSR sent military help to Spain
- Britain, France and US remained neutral
- World wide there was a decline in pacificism and a growing sense that another World War was imminent
- Spanish Civil War was won by conservative, pro-church, Army-backed Nationalist forces
-> These were supported by Nazi Germany and Italy
- Nationalists, lead by Franco, defeated the Republican coalition of liberals, anarchists and communists
-> These were backed by the USSR
- Cost 300,000 to 1,000,000 lives
By Aidan and Nina
Political
- Latter years of Franco’s rule saw some economic + political liberalization
- November 1975 - Franco dies. He is succeeded as head of state by King Juan Carlos. With Juan Carlos on the throne, Spain makes transition from dictatorship to democracy.
- June 1977 - first free elections in four decades.
- 1978 - Spain is set to vote for democracy.
- The new constitution confirms Spain as a parliamentary monarchy
- Between 1978 and 1982, Spain led by Union del Centro Democratico gov.
- Spain withdraws from the Spanish Sahara, ending its colonial empire.
1970s
Social
- Political change = Radical social change
- Franco = Extremely conservative
- Transition to democracy = Liberalization of morals + values
1970s
Economic
- Development of tourism industry -> began to catch up economically w. European neighbours
- BUT settling of the new political order took priority over the modernising of the economy.