The thought and work of Menéndez Pelayo: action and dam in the dictatorship of Franco (1939-1952)

Abstract

The article presents the thought and work of Menéndez Pelayo seen in the Franco era (in particular, 1939-1952). Emphasis is placed on the role of Acción Española to carry out the revaluation of the ideas of Don Marcelino, which will be used by the Falangist group. The Acción Española movement aims to be a dam and a brake on the modernization of Spain. For this, the figure of Menéndez Pelayo is used, who becomes ideological property. The Phalangists recognize that Pelayo has been the most profound historian, the one who has best discovered our past. For this reason, the historical conscience of the country is based, during the dictatorship, on the work of the Santanderino polygraph.