Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Political developments, 1956–75: the reasons for, and nature of, political…
Full specification wording
Dictatorship remodelled and the transition to democracy, 1956–78: Political developments, 1956–75: the reasons for, and nature of, political change, 1956–70; the changing influence of the church; the reasons for, and nature of, increased opposition to Franco’s rule; the growth of regional nationalism; government reaction, 1970–75; developments in international relations.
Between 1956 and 1970 Franco’s regime changed politically: the Falange declined, Opus Dei technocrats gained influence, and the 1967 Organic Law introduced limited representation.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 4
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Between 1956 and 1970 Franco’s regime changed politically: the Falange declined, Opus Dei technocrats gained influence, and the 1967 Organic Law introduced limited representation. The Catholic Church, once a pillar of the regime, grew critical after Vatican II, with priests and bishops distancing themselves. Opposition increased through student protests, workers’ commissions, and ETA’s violence, while regional nationalism strengthened in Catalonia and the Basque Country. From 1970 to 1975 the government reacted with the Burgos trial, states of exception and executions, but also faced international criticism. Internationally, Spain moved from isolation to limited acceptance, including the 1970 preferential trade agreement with the EEC and US bases, though Franco’s regime remained outside NATO and the EEC.
What earns the marks
- Explains reasons for and nature of political change 1956–70: technocratic influence, Falange decline and the 1967 Organic Law.
- Explains the changing influence of the church: from regime support to criticism after Vatican II.
- Explains increased opposition: student movements, workers’ commissions and ETA violence.
- Explains the growth of regional nationalism in Catalonia and the Basque Country.
- Explains government reaction 1970–75: Burgos trial, states of exception and executions.
- Explains developments in international relations: EEC trade agreement, US bases and continued exclusion from NATO and the EEC.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming the church remained uniformly loyal.
Put it right by noting post-Vatican II criticism and clerical opposition.
Treating opposition as only violent.
Put it right by including peaceful student and labour protest.
Claiming Spain fully joined the EEC before 1975.
Put it right by noting only a preferential trade agreement in 1970.
Exam tips
- Link each political change to its cause, such as Vatican II for church criticism.
- Use named examples like the Burgos trial and workers’ commissions.
- Distinguish between domestic opposition and international pressure.
Try the lesson
The start of the Dictatorship remodelled and the transition to democracy, 1956–78: Political developments, 1956–75: the reasons for, and nature of, political change, 1956–70; the changing influence of the church; the reasons for, and nature of, increased opposition to Franco’s rule; the growth of regional nationalism; government reaction, 1970–75; developments in international relations. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
How did the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Franco regime change during the 1960s and early 1970s?
Listen
Between 1956 and 1970 Franco’s regime changed politically: the Falange declined, Opus Dei technocrats gained influence, and the 1967 Organic Law introduced limited representation. The Catholic Church, once a pillar of the regime, grew critical after Vatican II, with priests and bishops distancing themselves. Opposition increased through student protests, workers’ commissions, and ETA’s violence, while regional nationalism strengthened in Catalonia and the Basque Country. From 1970 to 1975 the government reacted with the Burgos trial, states of exception and executions, but also faced international criticism. Internationally, Spain moved from isolation to limited acceptance, including the 1970 preferential trade agreement with the EEC and US bases, though Franco’s regime remained outside NATO and the EEC. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains reasons for and nature of political change 1956–70: technocratic influence, Falange decline and the 1967 Organic Law. Explains the changing influence of the church: from regime support to criticism after Vatican II. Explains increased opposition: student movements, workers’ commissions and ETA violence. Explains the growth of regional nationalism in Catalonia and the Basque Country. A common slip: Assuming the church remained uniformly loyal. Instead, noting post-Vatican II criticism and clerical opposition. Exam tip: Link each political change to its cause, such as Vatican II for church criticism.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Political reform and technocracy
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Church–state relations
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Opposition and repression
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Political reform and technocracy
- The regime changed politically as the Falange declined, Opus Dei technocrats gained influence, and the 1967 Organic Law introduced limited representation.
- Church–state relations
- The Catholic Church, once a pillar of the regime, grew critical after Vatican II, with priests and bishops distancing themselves.
- Opposition and repression
- Opposition increased through student protests, workers' commissions and ETA's violence, while from 1970 to 1975 the government reacted with the Burgos trial, states of exception and executions.
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