The Two Spains (1936 Onwards): El Franquismo

General Francisco Franco: Franco was a Spanish general who seized power during the Spanish Civil War. He ruled Spain as a dictator from 1939 until his death in 1975.
El Franquismo: This term refers to the dictatorial regime established and run by Franco in Spain. It’s marked by authoritarianism, conservatism, and extreme nationalism.
Removal of autonomy: Franco’s regime dismantled regional autonomy, banning regional languages and cultures in an attempt to create a homogeneous and unified Spanish culture.
Censorship and repression: Franco’s government controlled the media, determined the content of education, and suppressed political dissent through force and fear.

Cultural suppression: The regime’s focus on a single national culture led to the oppression of regional cultures. Languages like Catalan and Basque were banned, influencing cultural identity and the development of art and literature.
Economic effects: The regime made Spain one of the most economically backward countries in Western Europe. Self-autarky, the policy of economic self-sufficiency, proved to be detrimental to the nation’s growth.
Polarisation: Franco’s regime perpetuated the divide between the “Two Spains” - the conservative, Catholic, and nationalist Spain, and the liberal, secular, and regionalist Spain.

Franco’s death and Spanish transition: Franco’s death in 1975 paved the way for the Spanish transition to democracy, which saw political reform and the reinstatement of the monarchy.
Impact on modern Spain: The legacy of Francoism continues to affect Spanish society, politics, and culture. Controversial issues include debate over Franco’s burial place and how to deal with the crimes of the Franco era.
Post-Franco Culture: Franco’s death gave rise to “la movida” culture, a countercultural movement that shaped music, cinema, fashion and society - especially in Madrid - focusing on freedom and creativity.