Catalonia Under Franco: Repression, Co-option, and Resistance

In this episode of The Sobremesa Podcast, we explore the complex and often contradictory history of Catalonia under Franco with historian Dr. Andrew Dowling.We unpack how the Francoist regime initially crushed Catalan language and culture, only to later co-opt selective elements for its own purposes — reshaping Catalan identity under authoritarian rule.We also examine the uncomfortable truths of the period: the early support of the Catalan upper class for the Franco regime, and how this changed in the face of growing repression and political decay.As the dictatorship entered its final, violent phase, a surprising alliance emerged — Catalan communists and the Catholic Church working together to organise resistance and push for democratic change.This episode is about memory, identity, collaboration, and struggle — and how Catalonia’s past continues to shape its present.🎙️ Support The Sobremesa PodcastWe love making The Sobremesa Podcast — bringing you deep dives into Spanish politics, culture, and history with voices you might not hear elsewhere.But here’s the truth:We have no external funding.We’re entirely volunteer-run — researching, writing questions, recording, editing, and promoting each episode ourselves.Your support helps us cover the basics:🎧 Recording platforms🎛️ Editing softwareIf you value independent, grassroots media that brings Spain to a wider audience — please consider donating to our Buy us a Coffee page. Even a few euros make a real difference and keep us going.We do this because we care — but we can’t do it alone.Gracias siempre for listening and supporting us.