Francoist Spain - Francoism

Francoism

The consistent points in Francoism included above all authoritarianism, nationalism, conservatism, anti-communism, anti-anarchism, anti-socialism, anti-liberalism, anti-zionism, as well as a frontal rejection of Freemasonry; some authors also quote integralism, and a role for anti-semitism. Stanley Payne, a scholar of fascism and Spain, notes: "scarcely any of the serious historians and analysts of Franco consider the generalissimo to be a core fascist." According to historian Walter Laqueur "during the civil war, Spanish fascists were forced to subordinate their activities to the nationalist cause. At the helm were military leaders such as General Francisco Franco, who were conservatives in all essential respects. When the civil war ended, Franco was so deeply entrenched that the Falange stood no chance; in this strongly authoritarian regime, there was no room for political opposition. The fascists became junior partners in the government and, as such, they had to accept responsibility for the regime's policy without being able to shape it substantially" The United Nations Security Council in 1946 described the Franco government as 'Fascist' denying it recognition until it developed a more representative government.