Olive oil production, local power and social support for Francoism. Eastern Andalusia during Autarky (1939-1951)

A range of scholars have highlighted the failure of the "New State" [Nuevo Estado: name given by Francoist authorities to its political system] autarkic policies, but little attention has been given to the political implications of agricultural interventionism for the Franco regime and its grassroots supporters. How post-war scarcity and autarky policies were managed is central to understanding the perpetuation of the "New State". This article explores one of the most important elements under local management: the production of olive oil. Applying both a political and socio-economic approach to the rural world, this study examines eastern Andalusia and the role of local councils in the evolution and functioning of the olive oil sector. Local authorities fulfilled many of the promises made to their support base in the early days of the Civil War, sometimes acting as vital intermediaries between higher officials and local interests. By "defending" local interests they contributed to build support for the Franco regime.