Propaganda 1939-56

• The events of the civil war remained a crucial element of the government's propaganda after 1939.
• The propaganda department produced short films that glorified Franco's achievements. Propaganda material focused on the claim that Franco had saved Spain from communism. Government films reminded Spanish viewers of the atrocities committed by the Republican forces. These films were broadcasted before every feature film and therefore reached a large audience.
• Historical dramas were often promoted, focusing on Spain's glorious past. Although Hollywood films were shown, they were often heavily censored and dubbed. In 1947, Spain had more cinema seats per head of the population than any other country apart from the USA. Films also provided a means of escapism for Spaniards.
• Propaganda focused on Franco, creating a cult of personality. Franco used Spanish media to create a highly idealised and heroic image of himself, an image that had strong religious overtones.
• In some ways, Franco's image was rooted in Spanish folklore and myths. His regime even invented its own folklore in the form of poems, anthems and songs, which citizens were encouraged to sing.
• Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Franco was regularly depicted as saving Spain from both internal and external threats. Propaganda also depicted Franco as the hero of the cold war as he had recognised the growing danger of communism before other western leaders. It even stressed that he protected Spain from the horrors of WW2, protecting traditional Spanish culture and values. With this in mind, he was depicted as a father figure who cared deeply for Spain.
• The Catholic Church helped to promote Franco's cult of personality by openly supporting his claim that he was a hero in the fight against godless communism.
• In the 1950s, the regime became more dependent on propaganda and the support of the church as the use of terror declined during this period.