Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The dictatorship and foreign relations, 1939–56: maintaining neutrality,…
Full specification wording
Establishing Franco’s dictatorship, 1938–56: The dictatorship and foreign relations, 1939–56: maintaining neutrality, 1939–45; creating international relationships in the Cold War environment, 1945–56.
During the Second World War, Franco maintained Spanish neutrality, though he favoured the Axis and sent the Blue Division to the Eastern Front.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 4
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
During the Second World War, Franco maintained Spanish neutrality, though he favoured the Axis and sent the Blue Division to the Eastern Front. This avoided direct conflict but left Spain diplomatically isolated after 1945. In the early Cold War, Franco exploited superpower rivalry: US anti-communism led to the 1953 Pact of Madrid, where Spain granted military bases to the USA in return for economic and military aid. Spain joined the UN in 1955. These steps ended isolation and secured the regime internationally, though Franco still faced criticism over his wartime links and authoritarian rule. Assess how neutrality and Cold War alignments shaped Spain’s foreign relations.
What earns the marks
- Explains how Franco maintained neutrality during 1939–45, balancing Axis sympathies with the need to avoid war and Allied retaliation.
- Describes the consequences of wartime neutrality, including post-1945 diplomatic isolation and exclusion from the UN and Marshall Plan.
- Explains how the Cold War created opportunities for Franco, as the USA sought anti-communist allies, leading to the 1953 Pact of Madrid where Spain granted bases to the USA in exchange for aid.
- Evaluates the extent to which Spain created international relationships by 1956, for example UN membership in 1955 and improved ties with the West.
- Uses specific evidence such as the Blue Division, the Pact of Madrid or UN admission to support arguments about continuity and change in foreign policy.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Describing Franco as strictly neutral in sympathy as well as action.
Put it right by noting his pro-Axis leanings and the Blue Division while Spain stayed out of the war.
Assuming Spain was fully integrated into the West immediately after 1945.
Put it right by explaining the isolation of 1945–50 and the gradual nature of Cold War engagement.
Confusing the terms of the Pact of Madrid.
Put it right by stating that Spain granted military bases to the USA, rather than the USA providing bases to Spain, in return for financial and military aid.
Exam tips
- Structure answers around the two periods: 1939–45 neutrality and 1945–56 Cold War relationships, to cover both clauses clearly.
- Use precise dates and names, such as 1953 Pact of Madrid and 1955 UN admission, to show accurate knowledge.
Try the lesson
The start of the Establishing Franco’s dictatorship, 1938–56: The dictatorship and foreign relations, 1939–56: maintaining neutrality, 1939–45; creating international relationships in the Cold War environment, 1945–56. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Why did General Franco change Spain's official diplomatic status from 'strict neutrality' to 'non-belligerency' in June 1940?
Listen
During the Second World War, Franco maintained Spanish neutrality, though he favoured the Axis and sent the Blue Division to the Eastern Front. This avoided direct conflict but left Spain diplomatically isolated after 1945. In the early Cold War, Franco exploited superpower rivalry: US anti-communism led to the 1953 Pact of Madrid, where Spain granted military bases to the USA in return for economic and military aid. Spain joined the UN in 1955. These steps ended isolation and secured the regime internationally, though Franco still faced criticism over his wartime links and authoritarian rule. Assess how neutrality and Cold War alignments shaped Spain’s foreign relations. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains how Franco maintained neutrality during 1939–45, balancing Axis sympathies with the need to avoid war and Allied retaliation. Describes the consequences of wartime neutrality, including post-1945 diplomatic isolation and exclusion from the UN and Marshall Plan. Explains how the Cold War created opportunities for Franco, as the USA sought anti-communist allies, leading to the 1953 Pact of Madrid where Spain granted bases to the USA in exchange for aid. Evaluates the extent to which Spain created international relationships by 1956, for example UN membership in 1955 and improved ties with the West. A common slip: Describing Franco as strictly neutral in sympathy as well as action. Instead, noting his pro-Axis leanings and the Blue Division while Spain stayed out of the war. Exam tip: Structure answers around the two periods: 1939–45 neutrality and 1945–56 Cold War relationships, to cover both clauses clearly.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Neutrality and wartime diplomacy
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Post-war isolation and recovery
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Cold War alignments
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Neutrality and wartime diplomacy
- Maintaining Spanish neutrality during 1939–45 while favouring the Axis and sending the Blue Division to the Eastern Front, avoiding direct conflict but leaving Spain diplomatically isolated after 1945.
- Post-war isolation and recovery
- Diplomatic isolation after 1945, including exclusion from the UN and Marshall Plan, ended as Cold War relationships were created and Spain joined the UN in 1955.
- Cold War alignments
- Creating international relationships in the Cold War environment, 1945–56, as US anti-communism led to the 1953 Pact of Madrid, where Spain granted military bases to the USA in return for economic and military aid.
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