Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Creation of the ‘new state’: establishing control in the Nationalist zone…
Full specification wording
Establishing Franco’s dictatorship, 1938–56: Creation of the ‘new state’: establishing control in the Nationalist zone 1938; initial policies; the influence of the Falange; managing Nationalist rivalries; the establishment and survival of a fascist dictatorship under Franco.
By 1938 the Nationalists controlled most of Spain, and Franco began constructing a ‘new state’ in the Nationalist zone.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
By 1938 the Nationalists controlled most of Spain, and Franco began constructing a ‘new state’ in the Nationalist zone. He centralised power through decrees, abolished regional autonomy, and created a single-party system. Initial policies included economic autarky, strict censorship, and suppression of leftist and separatist groups. The Falange, a fascist party, was merged with other right-wing groups to form FET y de las JONS, providing a mass movement but also potential rivalry. Franco managed rivalries among the military, monarchists, Carlists, and Falangists by balancing factions and using repression. This allowed him to establish a personalist dictatorship that survived until 1975, despite its fascist trappings. The regime adapted to changing international circumstances, moving from overt fascism to a more conservative authoritarian model.
What earns the marks
- Explains how Franco established control in the Nationalist zone in 1938 through centralisation, suppression of opposition, and the creation of a single-party state.
- Describes initial policies such as autarky, censorship, and the abolition of regional autonomy, linking them to the regime’s ideological goals.
- Analyses the influence of the Falange, including its merger into FET y de las JONS and its role in providing a fascist facade while Franco retained ultimate authority.
- Evaluates how Franco managed Nationalist rivalries (military, monarchists, Carlists, Falangists) by balancing appointments and using repression to maintain unity.
- Assesses the establishment and survival of Franco’s dictatorship, considering factors like adaptability, foreign policy shifts, and internal repression.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming the Falange dominated the regime.
Put it right: Franco subordinated the Falange within a broader coalition, using it for mobilisation but never sharing ultimate power.
Overlooking the role of other factions like the Carlists and monarchists.
Put it right: Franco balanced these groups, playing them off against each other to prevent any single faction from challenging him.
Treating the regime as static.
Put it right: Franco’s dictatorship evolved, especially after 1945, adopting a more conservative, Catholic image to survive international isolation.
Exam tips
- Use specific examples of decrees and policies from 1938 to illustrate how control was established, such as the Fuero del Trabajo.
- Compare the influence of the Falange with that of other groups to show how Franco managed rivalries, avoiding simplistic claims of fascist dominance.
- When discussing survival, link to both internal factors (repression, propaganda) and external factors (Cold War, changing alliances).
Try the lesson
The start of the Establishing Franco’s dictatorship, 1938–56: Creation of the ‘new state’: establishing control in the Nationalist zone 1938; initial policies; the influence of the Falange; managing Nationalist rivalries; the establishment and survival of a fascist dictatorship under Franco. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
How did Franco consolidate his political control over the Nationalist zone in early 1938?
Listen
By 1938 the Nationalists controlled most of Spain, and Franco began constructing a ‘new state’ in the Nationalist zone. He centralised power through decrees, abolished regional autonomy, and created a single-party system. Initial policies included economic autarky, strict censorship, and suppression of leftist and separatist groups. The Falange, a fascist party, was merged with other right-wing groups to form FET y de las JONS, providing a mass movement but also potential rivalry. Franco managed rivalries among the military, monarchists, Carlists, and Falangists by balancing factions and using repression. This allowed him to establish a personalist dictatorship that survived until 1975, despite its fascist trappings. The regime adapted to changing international circumstances, moving from overt fascism to a more conservative authoritarian model. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains how Franco established control in the Nationalist zone in 1938 through centralisation, suppression of opposition, and the creation of a single-party state. Describes initial policies such as autarky, censorship, and the abolition of regional autonomy, linking them to the regime’s ideological goals. Analyses the influence of the Falange, including its merger into FET y de las JONS and its role in providing a fascist facade while Franco retained ultimate authority. Evaluates how Franco managed Nationalist rivalries (military, monarchists, Carlists, Falangists) by balancing appointments and using repression to maintain unity. A common slip: Assuming the Falange dominated the regime. Instead, Franco subordinated the Falange within a broader coalition, using it for mobilisation but never sharing ultimate power. Exam tip: Use specific examples of decrees and policies from 1938 to illustrate how control was established, such as the Fuero del Trabajo.
Key words
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Authoritarian consolidation
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Factionalism and balance of power
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Fascist influences and adaptation
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Repression and control
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See every definition
- Authoritarian consolidation
- Centralising power through decrees, abolishing regional autonomy and creating a single-party system in the Nationalist zone.
- Factionalism and balance of power
- Managing rivalries among the military, monarchists, Carlists and Falangists by balancing factions and using repression to maintain unity.
- Fascist influences and adaptation
- The Falange provided a fascist facade and mass movement, while the regime later moved from overt fascism to a more conservative authoritarian model.
- Repression and control
- Suppression of leftist and separatist groups, alongside strict censorship, used to establish control in the Nationalist zone.
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