The Two Spains (1936 Onwards)

• Concept of The Two Spains: This metaphorical term represents the deep social, cultural, religious and political divisions present in Spanish society. These divisions were exacerbated during and after the Spanish Civil war.
• Origins: The divisions started to occur during the 19th century, and became significantly noticeable during the Second Spanish Republic and the Spanish Civil War.
• Contrasting Ideologies: The Two Spains generally refers to the contrast between left-wing republicans, who were usually secular and progressive, and right-wing nationalists, who were often conservative and catholic.

Post-Civil War Spain

• Franco's Victory: With the victory of Franco and nationalists forces in 1939, the leftist Republicans were overtaken. Franco's victory established a long-lasting authoritarian regime known as Francoism or the Falangist Dictatorship.
• Repression and Retaliation: The victorious Francoist side carried out a series of repressive measures against the defeated Republicans, purging left-wing elements from public life.
• Forced Silence: Supporters of the Second Republic, leftists, and other political dissidents were silenced, with their voices and their version of events marginalised in the public sphere.

Historical and Political Repercussions

• Censorship and Fear: The Francoist regime maintained strict censorship laws and a climate of fear to stifle dissent. It prohibited any political activity that did not support the regime.
• Economic Challenges: Despite Franco's economic policies to achieve autarky or self-sufficiency, the Spanish economy went through severe hardships, leaving Spain lagging behind other Western European nations.
• Legacy of Polarisation: Doctrines, ideologies, and bitter resentments from the Civil War resulted in an enduring divide in Spanish society, which some historians and cultural critics refer to as the "collective amnesia" of Spain regarding its troubled past.

Transition to Democracy

• Franco's Death: Franco's death in 1975 commenced Spain's transition towards democracy. Yet, the process was difficult and marked by a struggle between franquistas (Franco's followers) and antifranquistas (opponents of Francoism).
• Political Reform: The transition to democracy was led by King Juan Carlos, who had been appointed by Franco. Reform policies were implemented, renewing political and civil rights, and legalising parties across the political spectrum.
• Historical Memory Law: Passed in 2007, this law recognises victims on both sides of the Spanish Civil War and the Francoist state, and condemns the Franco regime. However, it has remained a contentious law due to a perceived bias towards the left side.

Legacy of The Two Spains

• Impact on Modern Spain: The division of the Two Spains, although less prominent, still permeates parts of Spanish society, politics, and culture. Political, regional and cultural tensions continue to surface, demonstrating the enduring complexities of Spain's historical consciousness.
• Controversial Issues: These include the dilemma over dealing with the crimes of the Franco era, the legacy of the Civil War, regional disparities, and the ongoing debate about the role of the monarchy in Spanish society.