Spain under Franco

The Spanish Miracle (1957-1967)

Main article: Spanish Miracle

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In 1957, the State faced bankruptcy, due to a heavy trade deficit in imports and exports, and external debt. Franco substituted most of his government for technocrats from Opus Dei. These ministers liberalized the economy, without touching the authoritarian character of the regime. Several stabilization plans, in which the economy was open to foreign investment, and tourism, modernized Spain, even though it still remained the second most backward country in Western Europe, it brought a great amount of social change: increased middle classes, rural emigration and a change in the role of women. Emigrants sending in their wages from abroad also helped balance the imports and exports. During these years, the industrialization of Spain was completed, and the ?black post-war years? ended.

Related Topics:
1957 - Technocrats - Opus Dei

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These years the opposition to the regime also increased. A conference in Munich was held by all political parties opposed to Franco, except the Communist Party of Spain, which had gained heavy influence in university professors and students, as well as intellectuals. The Comisiones which were the base for the syndicate Comisiones Obreras were founded, and ETA was founded too during this time in the Basque Country.

Related Topics:
Munich - Communist Party of Spain - Comisiones Obreras - ETA - Basque Country

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Some attempts at reform also took place thanks to people like Manuel Fraga, but the most important person after Franco at this time was Luis Carrero Blanco. These laws included some degree of press freedom (1966) and freedom of cult (1967).

Related Topics:
Manuel Fraga - Luis Carrero Blanco - 1966 - 1967

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Lastly, in 1967, Juan Carlos de Borbón was named successor to Franco, in front of the Cortes.

Related Topics:
1967 - Juan Carlos de Borbón

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