Democratic transition in Spain A chronology of key events: Spanish Civil War: more than 350,000 Spaniards killed General Franco leads Nationalists to victory. Republicans are executed, jailed or exiled. Move to democracy November - Franco dies. Succeeded as head of state by King Juan Carlos. With Juan Carlos on the throne, Spain makes transition from dictatorship to democracy

Spanish government before democratic transition The Spanish State was very authoritarian: -Non- government trade unions. -All political opponents were either suppressed or tightly controlled, including violent police repression. -Most country towns and rural areas were patrolled by pairs of Guardia Civil, a military police for civilians, which functioned as his chief means of social control. Larger cities, and capitals, were mostly under the heavily- armed Policía Armada, commonly called grises.Guardia CivilPolicía Armada -Members of the oppressed ranged from trade unions to communist and anarchist organizations to liberal democrats and Catalan or Basque separatists. The Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT) and the Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT) trade-unions were outlawed, and replaced in 1940 by the corporatist Sindicato Vertical. The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) party and the Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) were banned in 1939, while the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) went underground. University students seeking democracy revolted in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which was repressed by the grises. The Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) went into exile,communist anarchistliberal democratsCatalanBasqueConfederación Nacional del TrabajoUnión General de TrabajadoresSindicato VerticalSpanish Socialist Workers' PartyEsquerra Republicana de CatalunyaCommunist Party of SpainBasque Nationalist Party -In 1959, the ETA armed group was created to wage a low- intensity war against Franco.

Definition: The transition experienced by Spain beginning in 1975, which saw the end of the authoritarian regime of Francisco Franco and the rise of a liberal democracy (in the form of a Parliamentary Government under a Constitutional Monarchy), is widespread regarded as the paradigmatic case of “pacted” democratic transition - variously defined as “Pacted Reform” “Transition without break” and rapid democratic consolidation, in reason of its particular “smooth”process, which was carried out peacefully and legally by regime leaders and opposition forces, without civil war, revolutionary overthrow or defeat by a foreign power, and in are markably short lapse of time. The transition experienced by Spain beginning in 1975, which saw the end of the authoritarian regime of Francisco Franco and the rise of a liberal democracy (in the form of a Parliamentary Government under a Constitutional Monarchy), is widespread regarded as the paradigmatic case of “pacted” democratic transition - variously defined as “Pacted Reform” “Transition without break” and rapid democratic consolidation, in reason of its particular “smooth”process, which was carried out peacefully and legally by regime leaders and opposition forces, without civil war, revolutionary overthrow or defeat by a foreign power, and in are markably short lapse of time.

After Franco’s death The transition in Spain is usually said to have begun with the death of Francisco Franco on November 20, 1975 (after 45 year of dictatorship), while its completion has been variously said to be marked by the approval of the new Spanish Constitution in 1978, by the failure of the attempted military coup on February 23, 1981, or by the electoral victory of the PSOE (Partido Socialista Obrero Español) in The death of Franco brought to the throne Juan Carlos de Borbón, who had been appointed by Franco as his successor as Head of State and King of the restored Kingdom of Spain (which contrasted with the legitimate form of government which existed in Spain before the civil war, the Republic). The political situation in the aftermath of Franco’s death was not clear-cut: - the Continuistas- Inmovilistas (Francoists) supported the continuity with the former regime, - the Rupturistas (radical leftist opposition) favored the idea of restoring the Republic, - while the Reformistas- Aperturistas (the King, the democrats and the moderate left) favored a continuity which was just “procedural”, not “substantial”, meaning the instauration of a Constitutional Monarchy via a reform to be carried out within the Franco’s legal system. In such a situation, Juan Carlos began his reign fairly in continuity with Franco’s regime and strictly within the confines of its legal system: indeed, he swore fidelity to the Principles of the Movimiento Nacional (the sole legal party of the Franco era), took possession of the crownbefore the Cortes Generales (the Francoist Corporatist Parliament), and respected the Ley Orgánica del Estado (Organic Law of the State) for the appointment of his first head of government. It was only in his speech before the Cortes that he expressed his support for a transformation of the Spanish political system. The transition in Spain is usually said to have begun with the death of Francisco Franco on November 20, 1975 (after 45 year of dictatorship), while its completion has been variously said to be marked by the approval of the new Spanish Constitution in 1978, by the failure of the attempted military coup on February 23, 1981, or by the electoral victory of the PSOE (Partido Socialista Obrero Español) in The death of Franco brought to the throne Juan Carlos de Borbón, who had been appointed by Franco as his successor as Head of State and King of the restored Kingdom of Spain (which contrasted with the legitimate form of government which existed in Spain before the civil war, the Republic). The political situation in the aftermath of Franco’s death was not clear-cut: - the Continuistas- Inmovilistas (Francoists) supported the continuity with the former regime, - the Rupturistas (radical leftist opposition) favored the idea of restoring the Republic, - while the Reformistas- Aperturistas (the King, the democrats and the moderate left) favored a continuity which was just “procedural”, not “substantial”, meaning the instauration of a Constitutional Monarchy via a reform to be carried out within the Franco’s legal system. In such a situation, Juan Carlos began his reign fairly in continuity with Franco’s regime and strictly within the confines of its legal system: indeed, he swore fidelity to the Principles of the Movimiento Nacional (the sole legal party of the Franco era), took possession of the crownbefore the Cortes Generales (the Francoist Corporatist Parliament), and respected the Ley Orgánica del Estado (Organic Law of the State) for the appointment of his first head of government. It was only in his speech before the Cortes that he expressed his support for a transformation of the Spanish political system.

The Government of Arias Navarro (January July 1976) The first government of Juan Carlos did not foretell large political transformation: it was presided by Arias Navarro (the former Prime Minister under Franco), and included among the main Ministers some well-known former supporters of Franco, which had then become partisan of the movement toward a democracy (i.e. José María de Areilza, Manuel Fraga Iribarne as Interior Minister,). The new government faced many difficulties: - tensions mounted steadily in the Basque - Country due to ETA terrorist attacks - popular protests became violent with street riots and police reprisals - paralyzing waves of strikes in large industries and public services took place in many cities. - struggles were carried out by activists demanding amnesty for political prisoners - the political opposition called for the immediate dismantling of the Francoist regime (in March 1976, the opposition forces united in the new organization Coordinación Democrática, declaring they would not accept any political system connected with the old regime). Finally, in July, as Navarro continued to delay reforms and object to democratization, Juan Carlos ordered his resignation. The first government of Juan Carlos did not foretell large political transformation: it was presided by Arias Navarro (the former Prime Minister under Franco), and included among the main Ministers some well-known former supporters of Franco, which had then become partisan of the movement toward a democracy (i.e. José María de Areilza, Manuel Fraga Iribarne as Interior Minister,). The new government faced many difficulties: - tensions mounted steadily in the Basque - Country due to ETA terrorist attacks - popular protests became violent with street riots and police reprisals - paralyzing waves of strikes in large industries and public services took place in many cities. - struggles were carried out by activists demanding amnesty for political prisoners - the political opposition called for the immediate dismantling of the Francoist regime (in March 1976, the opposition forces united in the new organization Coordinación Democrática, declaring they would not accept any political system connected with the old regime). Finally, in July, as Navarro continued to delay reforms and object to democratization, Juan Carlos ordered his resignation.

Government of Adolfo Suárez (July 1976 – June 1977) The president of the Council of the Kingdom, Fernández Miranda, obtained to place on the new list of three candidates for head of the government, the name of Adolfo Suárez – a politician who started his career within the Movimiento, held the position of Secretary-General of the party, but was openly animated by truly democratic and reform whishes. The king chose Suárez because he felt he would be able to meet the challenge of the difficult political process lying ahead: persuading the Cortes, which was composed of installed Francoist politicians, to dismantle Franco’s system.

POLITICAL PROGRAM Indeed, Suárez quickly presented a clear political program based on two points: 1. The approval of a “Law for Political Reform” (Ley para la Reforma Política) that, once approved by the Cortes and the Spanish public in a referendum, would have dismissed the old Francoist Cortes and opened the process for electing a new democratic bicameral parliament (with a Congress of 350 members and a Senate of 210 members). 2. A call for open, democratic and universal elections - with the participation of political parties - in June 1977, in order to elect the Constituent Cortes that would have been charged with drawing up a new democratic constitution. Indeed, Suárez quickly presented a clear political program based on two points: 1. The approval of a “Law for Political Reform” (Ley para la Reforma Política) that, once approved by the Cortes and the Spanish public in a referendum, would have dismissed the old Francoist Cortes and opened the process for electing a new democratic bicameral parliament (with a Congress of 350 members and a Senate of 210 members). 2. A call for open, democratic and universal elections - with the participation of political parties - in June 1977, in order to elect the Constituent Cortes that would have been charged with drawing up a new democratic constitution.

Democratic reforms During the period before the June 1977 elections, Suárez government managed to carry on some very important democratic reforms: - a partial political amnesty in July the dismantling of the Tribunal de Orden Público (a sort of Francoist secret police) in December the legalization of the right to strike and to unionize in March the pass of a new electoral law (Ley Electoral) introducing the necessary framework for Spain's electoral system to be brought into accord with liberal parliamentary democracies, always in March the most progressive initiative was certainly the decision to legalize the Spanish Communist Party (PCE, Partido Comunista de España) in August This was not an easy choice at all, given the strong declared opposition of the military sectors, but the good political contacts that Suárez had developed with the Secretary-General of the PSOE (Felipe González), the open attitude of the Secretary-General of the PCE, Santiago Carrillo – which openly declared his willingness to collaborate without prior demands, offering a “social pact” for the post-elections period – and probably the consideration that such an inclusionary choice would have strengthen the credibility of his democratic efforts, finally pushed Suárez to take the risky step. Lastly, as concerns Suárez relations with the Army, he openly supported the liberal group - within the military – centered on General Alegría and General Mellado, against the group of hard-line Francoists (linked to the political movement called “The Bunker”), among whom there was the Vice President for Defense Affairs General Fernando de Santiago. This latter was indeed removed from its position and substituted by Mellado, who rapidly endorsed democratic reforms by promoting more progressive officials and removing those commanders of security forces (Policía Armada and Guardia Civil) who seemed to support preserving the Francoist regime. During the period before the June 1977 elections, Suárez government managed to carry on some very important democratic reforms: - a partial political amnesty in July the dismantling of the Tribunal de Orden Público (a sort of Francoist secret police) in December the legalization of the right to strike and to unionize in March the pass of a new electoral law (Ley Electoral) introducing the necessary framework for Spain's electoral system to be brought into accord with liberal parliamentary democracies, always in March the most progressive initiative was certainly the decision to legalize the Spanish Communist Party (PCE, Partido Comunista de España) in August This was not an easy choice at all, given the strong declared opposition of the military sectors, but the good political contacts that Suárez had developed with the Secretary-General of the PSOE (Felipe González), the open attitude of the Secretary-General of the PCE, Santiago Carrillo – which openly declared his willingness to collaborate without prior demands, offering a “social pact” for the post-elections period – and probably the consideration that such an inclusionary choice would have strengthen the credibility of his democratic efforts, finally pushed Suárez to take the risky step. Lastly, as concerns Suárez relations with the Army, he openly supported the liberal group - within the military – centered on General Alegría and General Mellado, against the group of hard-line Francoists (linked to the political movement called “The Bunker”), among whom there was the Vice President for Defense Affairs General Fernando de Santiago. This latter was indeed removed from its position and substituted by Mellado, who rapidly endorsed democratic reforms by promoting more progressive officials and removing those commanders of security forces (Policía Armada and Guardia Civil) who seemed to support preserving the Francoist regime.

The first elections (1977) 15 June 1977 The elections that were held on 15 June 1977 confirmed the existence of four important political forces at the national level: The Union of the Democratic Center (UCD - Unión de Centro Democrático), which took 34.61% of the votes; The Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE - Partido Socialista Obrero Español), with a share of 29.27%; The Communist Party of Spain (PCE - Partido Comunista de España) with a share of 9.38%; The Popular Alliance (AP Alianza Popular) with 8.33%. In addition to that ones, two nationalist parties also affirmed their political strength in their respective regions: the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV – Partido Nacionalista Vasco) and the Democratic Pact for Catalonia (PDC - Pacto Democrático por Cataluña). 15 June 1977 The elections that were held on 15 June 1977 confirmed the existence of four important political forces at the national level: The Union of the Democratic Center (UCD - Unión de Centro Democrático), which took 34.61% of the votes; The Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE - Partido Socialista Obrero Español), with a share of 29.27%; The Communist Party of Spain (PCE - Partido Comunista de España) with a share of 9.38%; The Popular Alliance (AP Alianza Popular) with 8.33%. In addition to that ones, two nationalist parties also affirmed their political strength in their respective regions: the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV – Partido Nacionalista Vasco) and the Democratic Pact for Catalonia (PDC - Pacto Democrático por Cataluña).

Spanish Constitution (1978) The Constituent Cortes began to draft the new constitution in the summer of 1977 and, after the stipulation of the Moncloa Pact in 1978 (under which all major parties agreed on some major provisions to be included on the new text), the new Spanish Constitution was finally approved in a popular referendum on 6 December 1978, with 87.8% votes in favor. The new Constitution changed the centralist form of the Spanish state in a quasi-federal State, recognizing the existence of 17 Autonomous Communities and granting them a large degree of autonomy in the legislative and executive spheres. To complement it, in October 1979 the Statutes of Autonomy (negotiated agreements over regional autonomy) were approved in the Basque and Catalan countries, with respectively 90.3% and 87.9% of the votes.

Spain political map

The role of the Monarchy A particular attention has been devoted to the leading role played by of the Monarchy. Some relevant authors have pointed out the significance of the visible presence of Juan Carlos both on the domestic and on the international front and of its reform- oriented attitude and behavior.It is essential for understanding the political change, both in its form (pacific) and in its content (democratic). He underlines how the transition and the Monarchy reinforced each other: the Monarchy needed the transition in order to complete its restoration with that popular legitimacy which Franco’s restoration couldn’t have given to it; at the same time, the transition needed the Monarchy in order to be carried out within the legal framework created by Franco, and thus in a legal continuity with the previous system, without revolutions or “breaks” and under the most widespread recognized legitimacy. this sense, the Monarchy was the crucial resource, since it was the only able to play the necessary bridging role between the old and the new order. A particular attention has been devoted to the leading role played by of the Monarchy. Some relevant authors have pointed out the significance of the visible presence of Juan Carlos both on the domestic and on the international front and of its reform- oriented attitude and behavior.It is essential for understanding the political change, both in its form (pacific) and in its content (democratic). He underlines how the transition and the Monarchy reinforced each other: the Monarchy needed the transition in order to complete its restoration with that popular legitimacy which Franco’s restoration couldn’t have given to it; at the same time, the transition needed the Monarchy in order to be carried out within the legal framework created by Franco, and thus in a legal continuity with the previous system, without revolutions or “breaks” and under the most widespread recognized legitimacy. this sense, the Monarchy was the crucial resource, since it was the only able to play the necessary bridging role between the old and the new order.

When the transition was concluded and the democracy consolidated… It was important the behavior of the nationally significant groups, which also showed quite early to be committed to the democratic cause, as it’s proved by the negative reaction to the 1981 military coup expressed by the king, the public opinion and the party leaders. F inally, it could be affirmed that the PSOE’s affirmation at the 1982 elections is the ending point of the smooth and linear process of the Spanish transition.

activities Dictatorship or democracy? People fairly elect their own leaders…………………………… The law is supreme and binding on everyone, even the government………………… A country has a written constitution…………………………………… It is the concentration of the power of a country or community to a single individual………… People's opinions are not heard or done………………………….. They are characterized by their openness and access to information………………. People have access to alternate sources of information, and all media is not controlled exclusively by the government………………………. They tend to arise out of tradition, sometimes military based and sometimes religious………………………………………. The government is ruled by an individual person……………………………..government Many of them also feature a division of power, typically with an independent judiciary and (in parliamentary systems) an independent head of state………………… Some states also divide power between national and regional governments (federalism)…………………………………………… It is a form of government that has the power to govern without consent of those being governed……………………………… That criteria like low income gaps, economic opportunity (the ability to better oneself), and a social safety net (such as universal health care and/or welfare programs) are crucial characteristics………………………… Government allows multiple lifestyles and opinions……………………………………… Dictatorship or democracy? People fairly elect their own leaders…………………………… The law is supreme and binding on everyone, even the government………………… A country has a written constitution…………………………………… It is the concentration of the power of a country or community to a single individual………… People's opinions are not heard or done………………………….. They are characterized by their openness and access to information………………. People have access to alternate sources of information, and all media is not controlled exclusively by the government………………………. They tend to arise out of tradition, sometimes military based and sometimes religious………………………………………. The government is ruled by an individual person……………………………..government Many of them also feature a division of power, typically with an independent judiciary and (in parliamentary systems) an independent head of state………………… Some states also divide power between national and regional governments (federalism)…………………………………………… It is a form of government that has the power to govern without consent of those being governed……………………………… That criteria like low income gaps, economic opportunity (the ability to better oneself), and a social safety net (such as universal health care and/or welfare programs) are crucial characteristics………………………… Government allows multiple lifestyles and opinions………………………………………

Spanish constitution DEBATE: Article 1 [State Principles, Sovereignty, Form] (1) Spain constitutes itself into a social and democratic state of law which advocates liberty, justice, equality, and political pluralism as the superior values of its legal order. (2) National sovereignty belongs to the Spanish people from whom emanate the powers of the state. (3) The political form of the Spanish State is the parliamentary Monarchy. Article 6 [Political Parties] Political parties express democratic pluralism, assist in the formulation and manifestation of the popular will, and are a basic instrument for political participation… Article 7 [Unions] Worker unions and associations of employers contribute to the defense and promotion of their own economic and social interests… Article 10 [Human Dignity, Human Rights] (1) The dignity of the person, the inviolable rights which are inherent, the free development of the personality, respect for the law and the rights of others, are the foundation of political o rArticle 14 [Equality] Spaniards are equal before the law, without any discrimination for reasons of birth, race, sex, religion, opinion, or any other personal or social condition or circumstance. der and social peace. Article 22 [Association] (1) The right to association is recognized. (2) Associations which pursue purposes or use methods which are classified as crimes, are illegal. Article 31 [Taxes] (1) Everyone shall contribute to the sustenance of public expenditures according to their economic capacity through a just tax system based on the principles of equality and progressive taxation which in no case shall be of a confiscatory scope. Article 40 [Economic Policies, Worker Protection] (1) The public authorities shall promote favorable conditions for social and economic progress and for a more equitable distribution of regional and personal income within the framework of a policy of economic stability. Special emphasis will be placed on the realization of a policy aimed at full employment. Article 56 [Head of State] (1) The King is the Head of State, the symbol of its unity and permanence… Article 66 [Structure, Competences, Inviolability] (1) The Parliament represents the Spanish people and is formed by the House of Representatives and the Senate. (2) The Parliament exercises the legislative power of the State, approves its budgets, controls the action of the Government, and has the other competences assigned by the Constitution Article 97 [Directing Policy] The Government directs domestic and foreign policy, civil and military Administration, and the defense of the State. It exercises the executive function and regulatory power in accordance with the Constitution and the laws. Article 125 [Popular Action, Juries Citizens may exercise popular action and participate in the Administration of Justice through the institution of the Jury in the manner that the law may determine for certain criminal trials, as well as in the customary and traditional Courts. Article 137 [Municipalities, Provinces, Autonomous Communities] The State is organized territorially into municipalities, provinces, and the Autonomous Communities which may be constituted. All these entities enjoy autonomy for the management of their respective interests. DEBATE: Article 1 [State Principles, Sovereignty, Form] (1) Spain constitutes itself into a social and democratic state of law which advocates liberty, justice, equality, and political pluralism as the superior values of its legal order. (2) National sovereignty belongs to the Spanish people from whom emanate the powers of the state. (3) The political form of the Spanish State is the parliamentary Monarchy. Article 6 [Political Parties] Political parties express democratic pluralism, assist in the formulation and manifestation of the popular will, and are a basic instrument for political participation… Article 7 [Unions] Worker unions and associations of employers contribute to the defense and promotion of their own economic and social interests… Article 10 [Human Dignity, Human Rights] (1) The dignity of the person, the inviolable rights which are inherent, the free development of the personality, respect for the law and the rights of others, are the foundation of political o rArticle 14 [Equality] Spaniards are equal before the law, without any discrimination for reasons of birth, race, sex, religion, opinion, or any other personal or social condition or circumstance. der and social peace. Article 22 [Association] (1) The right to association is recognized. (2) Associations which pursue purposes or use methods which are classified as crimes, are illegal. Article 31 [Taxes] (1) Everyone shall contribute to the sustenance of public expenditures according to their economic capacity through a just tax system based on the principles of equality and progressive taxation which in no case shall be of a confiscatory scope. Article 40 [Economic Policies, Worker Protection] (1) The public authorities shall promote favorable conditions for social and economic progress and for a more equitable distribution of regional and personal income within the framework of a policy of economic stability. Special emphasis will be placed on the realization of a policy aimed at full employment. Article 56 [Head of State] (1) The King is the Head of State, the symbol of its unity and permanence… Article 66 [Structure, Competences, Inviolability] (1) The Parliament represents the Spanish people and is formed by the House of Representatives and the Senate. (2) The Parliament exercises the legislative power of the State, approves its budgets, controls the action of the Government, and has the other competences assigned by the Constitution Article 97 [Directing Policy] The Government directs domestic and foreign policy, civil and military Administration, and the defense of the State. It exercises the executive function and regulatory power in accordance with the Constitution and the laws. Article 125 [Popular Action, Juries Citizens may exercise popular action and participate in the Administration of Justice through the institution of the Jury in the manner that the law may determine for certain criminal trials, as well as in the customary and traditional Courts. Article 137 [Municipalities, Provinces, Autonomous Communities] The State is organized territorially into municipalities, provinces, and the Autonomous Communities which may be constituted. All these entities enjoy autonomy for the management of their respective interests.

TRUE OR FALSE? General Franco leads Nationalists to victory. Republicans are executed, jailed or exiled………. The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) party and the Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) were banned in 1939, while the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) went underground……………………………………….Spanish Socialist Workers' PartyEsquerra Republicana de CatalunyaCommunist Party of Spain The transition experienced by Spain beginning in 1973, which saw the end of the authoritarian regime of Francisco Franco and the rise of a liberal democracy…………………………………………………………………………………. The Continuistas- Inmovilistas (Francoists) supported the continuity with the former regime and the Rupturistas (radical leftist opposition) favored the idea of restoring the monarchy…………………………………… The first government of Juan Carlos did not foretell large political transformation: it was presided by Adolfo Suárez. The approval of a “Law for Political Reform” that, once approved by the Cortes and the Spanish public in a referendum, would have dismissed the old Francoist Cortes and opened the process for electing a new democratic bicameral parliament. The new Spanish Constitution was finally approved in a popular referendum on 10 December it could be affirmed that the PSOE’s affirmation at the 1982 elections is the ending point of the smooth and linear process of the Spanish transition. General Franco leads Nationalists to victory. Republicans are executed, jailed or exiled………. The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) party and the Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) were banned in 1939, while the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) went underground……………………………………….Spanish Socialist Workers' PartyEsquerra Republicana de CatalunyaCommunist Party of Spain The transition experienced by Spain beginning in 1973, which saw the end of the authoritarian regime of Francisco Franco and the rise of a liberal democracy…………………………………………………………………………………. The Continuistas- Inmovilistas (Francoists) supported the continuity with the former regime and the Rupturistas (radical leftist opposition) favored the idea of restoring the monarchy…………………………………… The first government of Juan Carlos did not foretell large political transformation: it was presided by Adolfo Suárez. The approval of a “Law for Political Reform” that, once approved by the Cortes and the Spanish public in a referendum, would have dismissed the old Francoist Cortes and opened the process for electing a new democratic bicameral parliament. The new Spanish Constitution was finally approved in a popular referendum on 10 December it could be affirmed that the PSOE’s affirmation at the 1982 elections is the ending point of the smooth and linear process of the Spanish transition.

Answer the questions: Explain the differences between monarchy and republic, and between democracy and dictatorship. How was Arias Navarro’s model of democratic transition different to that of Adolfo Suárez? Explain the main periods of the democratic transition in Spain and place it chronologically. Who were the prime ministers during each period? Why was the Law for Political Reform important? When was it written and under what circumstances? Which are the main aspects of that law? What were the Moncloa Pacts? Why were these pacts accepted by the trade unions? What were the problems for legalising the Communist Party? What were the reactions to it? Why did Adolfo Suárez resign? Who became prime minister after him?

Explain the cartoon. What is does it refer to?

Summarise the basic ideas. “There was a widely-held belief that democracy needed to be built on ‘reconciliation’ and ‘peace among Spaniards.’ The civil war was represented as violence among brothers, reflected in the popular saying ‘todos fuímos culpables’ [‘we all were guilty’]. Full amnesty was granted The Spanish Transition to Democracy and Historical Memory for acts of political violence including by those who were restoring order. This amnesty policy was portrayed as a wiping clean of the slate. Thus in Spain the development of democracy was intimately bound up with a decision to treat the past in a certain way, and that treatment had little to do with public accounting, as in the case of post-apartheid South Africa. The Spanish political elite made a conscious decision to forge a new Spanish identity that was European, peaceful, and pluralistic.” Carolyn Boyd “Spain must provide justice for tens of thousands of people killed by General Franco's death squads during and after the Spanish civil war. Around 30,000 people disappeared during Spain's Civil War and Franco's rule. Many victims were buried in mass graves, leaving families to uncover and identify the bodies themselves without help from the state. Amnesty urges the Spanish government to end the impunity enjoyed by those who carried out crimes on behalf of Franco's 36-year dictatorship: Instead of truth about the crimes of the past, its place has been filled with silence and in some cases denial, in the absence of an exhaustive and impartial investigation. Amnesty urges the creation of a truth commission or an equivalent body to investigate atrocities by both sides during the war. Thousands of death sentences handed down to people, including many civilians, by military courts should also be annulled. The courts have in recent years turned their backs on people who asked for help to locate or dig up mass graves where relatives shot during or after the war may be buried. A prosecutor should be appointed to help them.” Amnesty International, 18 July 2005 “There was a widely-held belief that democracy needed to be built on ‘reconciliation’ and ‘peace among Spaniards.’ The civil war was represented as violence among brothers, reflected in the popular saying ‘todos fuímos culpables’ [‘we all were guilty’]. Full amnesty was granted The Spanish Transition to Democracy and Historical Memory for acts of political violence including by those who were restoring order. This amnesty policy was portrayed as a wiping clean of the slate. Thus in Spain the development of democracy was intimately bound up with a decision to treat the past in a certain way, and that treatment had little to do with public accounting, as in the case of post-apartheid South Africa. The Spanish political elite made a conscious decision to forge a new Spanish identity that was European, peaceful, and pluralistic.” Carolyn Boyd “Spain must provide justice for tens of thousands of people killed by General Franco's death squads during and after the Spanish civil war. Around 30,000 people disappeared during Spain's Civil War and Franco's rule. Many victims were buried in mass graves, leaving families to uncover and identify the bodies themselves without help from the state. Amnesty urges the Spanish government to end the impunity enjoyed by those who carried out crimes on behalf of Franco's 36-year dictatorship: Instead of truth about the crimes of the past, its place has been filled with silence and in some cases denial, in the absence of an exhaustive and impartial investigation. Amnesty urges the creation of a truth commission or an equivalent body to investigate atrocities by both sides during the war. Thousands of death sentences handed down to people, including many civilians, by military courts should also be annulled. The courts have in recent years turned their backs on people who asked for help to locate or dig up mass graves where relatives shot during or after the war may be buried. A prosecutor should be appointed to help them.” Amnesty International, 18 July 2005