Out of the Ordinary: Confronting Paradox in the Historiography of Francoism

On 19 November 1975 Francisco Franco lay dying in Madrid's La Paz hospital. Clutching the cloak of Virgin del Pilar , and with ill-gotten relic St Teresa Ávila's hand at his bedside, ailing dictator would soon depart this existence following withdrawal life support. For Enrique Moradiellos Franco: Anatomy a Dictator juxtaposition modernity tradition within deathbed scene was emblematic countless paradoxes which characterised Francoist dictatorship its later years. Since dictator's death scholars have continued to grapple such paradoxes, struggling over how best define regime has come occupy notoriously contentious space contemporary Spanish politics society. Like fairground hall mirrors, historical representations Francoism been stretched or squashed by different analytical frames, shaped many cases political social legacies dictatorship. Despite dubious claims ‘objectivity’, regime's apologists depict as stabilising antidote ‘chaos’ republicanism, conveniently overlooking destruction misery followed coup 18 July 1936. Meanwhile, those who seek justice for victims continue emphasise repressive nature Though an important component Francoism's modus operandi, repression does not, itself, help us fully understand long-term survival consent it secured from millions ordinary Spaniards. The titles under review reflect increasing willingness confront contradictions head-on, regard paradoxical not conceptual knot be disentangled, but historiographical problem itself. Historians exploring experiences ‘ordinary’ people proved particularly adept addressing complexities, adopting comparative transnational frameworks reach beyond traditional emphasis on fascist Italy Nazi Germany. surveyed article offer snapshot recent developments field, while signposting potential avenues through historians might contribute broader discussions historiography modern Europe.