Francoism seemed monolithic. But this supposed unity hid under its skin different ideological families, interests that did not always coincide, and divergent dynamics conditioned by the territorial axis, local aspirations, economic-social transformations, and temporal evolution. These buried disputes surfaced episodically as successive influences gained or lost ascendancy within the dictatorship’s political project. During these rivalries, the unquestioned figure of Francisco Franco was erected as arbitrator –and main beneficiary– of the fights, since they allowed him to manipulate one and the other, while consolidating his power and his regime, adapting it to the needs of the moment.
“Foral survival in Navarra: The Old Regime against Francoism” by Patxi Caspístegui (Universidad de Navarra)
“Falangists vs. reactionary nationalists. The long and decisive political battle of the 1950s” by Ismael Saz (Universitat de València)