Description
Book SynopsisThis book engages with a central yet hitherto neglected dimension of the transition to democracy in Spain. It examines the emergence and development of Moderate Francoism from 1964, the year when the Law of Associations was introduced, until 1977, the year of the first democratic elections. The role of the reformists was one of the factors that made possible the dismantling of the dictatorship and was of crucial importance in making possible a bloodless transition to democracy. They acted as a bridge between the regime hard-liners and the democratic opposition, paving the way for King Juan Carlos to implement the 1976 Reform Law that swept away the structures of Francoism. Published in association with the Canada Blanch Centre for Contemporary Spanish Studies.
Trade Review"A well-researched political history of Spains elites in the years leading to the countrys successful transition from authoritarian Francoism to the birth of democracy. One especially pleasing feature is Palomaress practice of including important translated terminology in the original Spanish. A major contribution of this book is how it closely traces how the seemingly moderate Manuel Fraga launched initial reforms toward liberalization but later found the conservative Alianza. Liberal reforms leading to democracy would be left up to Adolfo Suirez and King Juan Carlos I, whose contributions and relationship are also examined. Recommended..." -- Choice. "The book provides a good overview of the transition and there is an interesting analysis of major events. The author also uses good primary and secondary sources..." -- Political Studies Review.
Table of ContentsIntroduction; The Historical Background; The 'Theoretical' Right of Association, 1964-1967; The Myth of Political Associations, 1967-1969; The Positioning of the Reformists, 1969-1973; The Positioning of the Reformists, 1969-1973; The Beginning of a Long End, 1973 -1976; From Dictatorship to Democracy, 1976-1977; Epilogue; Index.
