The Falange: A Fascist Political Party in Spain

Falange (Spanish for "phalanx") was a fascist political party in Spain that was active during the Second Spanish Republic and the early years of the Franco regime. The party was founded in 1933 by José Antonio Primo de Rivera, a conservative Catholic aristocrat who was influenced by Italian Fascism and Nazism.

The Falange was initially a small party with little influence, but it gained popularity during the political turmoil of the late 1930s. In 1936, the party joined forces with other right-wing groups to form the Nationalist Alliance, which launched a military coup against the Republican government. The coup succeeded in overthrowing the government, and the Falange became the dominant political force in the new Franco regime.

Under the leadership of General Francisco Franco, the Falange implemented a fascist ideology that was characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and anti-communism. The party suppressed all opposition and dissent, and it imposed a strict hierarchical structure on Spanish society. The Falange also promoted a cult of personality around Franco, who became the virtual dictator of Spain.

In 1942, the Falange was renamed the Movimiento Nacional (National Movement), and it continued to be the ruling party in Spain until Franco's death in 1975. During this period, the party maintained a repressive regime that suppressed all political opposition and dissent, and it implemented policies that were designed to maintain Spanish national identity and unity.

Overall, the Falange played a significant role in shaping the political and social landscape of Spain during the 20th century, and its legacy continues to be felt in contemporary Spanish politics.