Francisco Franco, reforms and public works in Spain

Francisco Franco, and the modernization of Spain

Francisco Franco Bahamonde, known as Franco, was the Spanish political and military leader who ruled Spain from the end of the Civil War in 1939 until his death in 1975. During his tenure, Franco modernized the country and established a stable economy.

In the economic field, Franco carried out a series of reforms and policies that allowed the country to recover from the Civil War and establish a solid foundation for its economic growth in the following decades. This included the establishment of the National Institute of Industry (INI) to modernize and expand Spanish industry, as well as the creation of Social Security and agrarian reform.

Regarding the modernization of the country, Franco carried out a series of public works that improved the country's infrastructure, including the construction of roads, railways, dams and other infrastructure. He also promoted education and culture, founding the National Library of Spain and the Higher Council for Scientific Research, among other institutions.

Despite these negative aspects, many Spaniards have positive memories of Franco due to his role in defending Spain during the Civil War and in modernizing the country. He is also remembered for his "non-alignment" policy during the Cold War, which allowed Spain to maintain a neutral position in the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Reforms that Franco established

Some of the reforms and policies that Franco instituted in Spain that allowed the country to recover from the Civil War and establish a solid foundation for its economic growth:

1. The National Institute of Industry (INI): Created in 1941, the INI was one of the main tools Franco used to modernize and expand Spanish industry. The INI invested in the creation of new factories, the modernization of existing ones, and the training of specialized labor.

2. Land reform: Franco carried out a land reform that allowed peasants to access land that was previously owned by large landowners. This allowed farmers to increase production and improve their standard of living.

3. The creation of Social Security: In 1942, the Spanish Social Security was created, which provided a system of social protection for workers and their families. This system allowed workers to have access to medical care and protection against occupational hazards.

4. The modernization of the infrastructure: Franco carried out a series of public works that improved the infrastructure of the country, including the construction of roads, railways, dams and other infrastructure. These improvements allowed Spain to connect previously isolated regions and foster economic growth.

5. The creation of the National Lottery: in 1941, the National Lottery of Spain was created, which became an important source of income for the State and made it possible to finance infrastructure and economic development projects.

6. Trade liberalization: In the 1950s and 1960s, Franco liberalized trade and lowered trade barriers to encourage international trade and attract foreign investment.

7. The promotion of tourism: Franco recognized the potential of tourism as a source of income for the country and promoted the development of the tourism sector through the construction of hotels, the creation of infrastructure and the promotion of the country as a tourist destination.

In short, Franco carried out a series of reforms and policies that allowed Spain to recover from the Civil War and establish a solid foundation for its economic growth in the decades that followed. These policies had such an important impact on the Spanish economy that they allowed Spain to become one of the most dynamic economies in Europe in the 1960s and 1970s.

Public works carried out by Franco

Franco carried out a series of public works that improved the infrastructure, the quality of life of the Spaniards and their economy. The development of the country was significant and left a legacy that can still be appreciated in present-day Spain.

1. Aldeadávila Dam: built on the Duero River, it was the largest dam in Europe at the time and allowed the generation of hydroelectric power for the country.

2. Autopista del Mediterráneo: built in the 1960s, it is one of the most important motorways in Spain and connects several cities along the Mediterranean coast.

3. Vizcaya Bridge: a suspension bridge that connects the cities of Portugalete and Getxo in the Basque Country, and which is a World Heritage Site.

4. Barajas Airport: Opened in 1931, Barajas Airport became the main airport in Spain and one of the most important in Europe.

5. Ciudad Universitaria de Madrid: built in the 1930s, it is a university complex that houses several faculties and emblematic buildings, such as the National Library of Spain.

6. Guadarrama Tunnel: built in the 1960s, it connects Madrid with the Castilla y León region and allowed better communication and transportation between the two regions.

7. Canal de Isabel II: inaugurated in 1851, the Canal de Isabel II is a drinking water supply system that supplies the city of Madrid and the surrounding municipalities.