Falangism

Falangism (Spanish: Falangismo) is the political ideology of the Spanish Falange as well as derivatives of it in other countries. In its original form, Falangism is widely associated as a fascist ideology; the Spanish Falange denied this, claiming it was not a copy of any foreign movement. In its original form, it claimed to be more radical than fascism, and criticized the Italian Fascist corporatist economic system. Under the leadership of Francisco Franco, much of the radical elements considered to be fascist of Falangism were diluted and it largely became an authoritarian conservative ideology connected with Francoism. Opponents of Franco's changes to the party, including former Falange leader Manuel Hedilla, formed the Authentic Falange that adheres to the party's original ideology. Falangism places a strong emphasis on Catholic religious identity, though it has held anti-clerical views on the Church's direct influence in society, as it believed that the Spanish state should have the supreme authority over Spain. Falangism emphasized the need for authority, hierarchy, and order in society.