Francisco Franco's Totalitarianism In Spain

Franco's efforts to restore Spain, consist with those of a totalitarian leader. Totalitarianism by the definition is the character or quality of an autocratic or authoritarian individual, group, or government with absolute control. The public, aware of the failure of human and governmental values in the war, were drawn to extremist politics. Francisco Franco brought major key features found in totalitarian ruling to Spain. Franco’s use of censorship and propaganda to remove his enemies, state control and ideologies of society give him the title of a complete totalitarian leader. Just like any leader Franco did not come to absolute power right away, in fact his militarist talents are what put him above others. Francisco Franco had been born

The Civil war was seen as Democracy versus Fascism and gained attention from countries around the world. As time passed Franco's reputation transformed into a cruel, and effective leader. He created the Falange,the Spanish fascist party, which led to the rebel regime’s official political movement. While expanding the Falange, Franco made it clear that it was the government that had all control. Franco had monarchist views and was anti-communism. This brought him the approval of the U.S and other anti-communist nations. With his new power Franco immediately took control of most aspects in Spain, creating a totalitarian state. The use of censorship, and propaganda was popular with most totalitarian leaders including Franco to control the public. Franco was a nationalist and saw any of those who did

Being at the head of the State in Spain, Franco gave himself the power to create whatever law he saw reasonable. He declared that he could make or unmake and law without the legislature's approval. This gave him absolute control over the government and the public. Franco began to restore the laws that were in place before the Second Republic. He started with outlawing divorce, this then transformed into preventing women from voting, getting a job, or opening a bank account without the approval of their husbands. He took power away from the public to further his own. His hatred for Republicans and communist sympathizers took an extreme turn when he forced republican children into monasteries or convents. Those whose parents had fought in the civil war on the Nationalist side were baptized, renamed and forced into fascist homes.At one point during Franco's rule he changed “Little Red Riding Hood” to “Little Blue Riding Hood” to cut out the Marxist undertones in the title. Franco took absolute control over the government and everyday life to prevent anyone from questioning his power and authority. The need for control over everything are those of a totalitarian leader such as