page_title: Manuel Fal Conde
section_title: Jefe
hierarchical_section_title: Manuel Fal Conde / Jefe
caption_attribution_description: Català: Banquet amb motiu d'un míting organitzat pel Cercle Tradicionalista. Restaurant del Parc, Barcelona.
context_page_description: Manuel Fal Conde, 1st Duke of Quintillo was a Spanish Catholic activist and a Carlist politician. He is recognized as a leading figure in the history of Carlism, serving as its political leader for over 20 years and heading the movement during one of its most turbulent periods. Initially he led the belligerent faction pressing anti-Republican insurgency; during the Spanish Civil War he joined the Nationalists; later on he championed anti-Francoist strategy.
context_section_description: Fal embarked on massive reorganization of Carlist structures. He created 5 central Delegaciones; Council of Culture and Grand Council. Launch of official Carlist gazette enhanced communication. Most importantly, he detached affiliated organizations from local circulos and joined them in nationwide, parallel, centrally commanded structures. The first remodeled were Requeté and Juventud Tradicionalista, with AET and Margaritas (Carlist feminine organization) somewhat less successful. New affiliated formations were created: urban proletariat was lured to Agrupación Gremial, a Carlist red cross organization emerged as Socorro Blanco and a grouping for younger boys was established as Pelayos. Internal taxation was introduced. Carlist periodicals were co-ordinated within modern propaganda machinery, brought under more discipline in return for financial help.
  The change meant vast improvement in terms of steerability, provided critical mass and enhanced homogeneity, though also enforced discipline and laid command of all structures in hands of Fal and his entourage, removing dependence on local juntas and especially on the Vasco-Navarros. The latter complained about "fascistization" of the Comunión, especially that Fal's trusted collaborators were appointed to key positions. Nevertheless, remodeled Comunión was fully able to bear the weight of rapidly expanding ranks; instead of inefficient isolated circulos where zeal of new converts was evaporating, new structures channeled and reinforced enthusiasm. Organization question aside, the change started even to affect the way of life. Comunión began to expand into unlikely areas both geographically and socially; structures were emerging in such regions as Extremadura or the Canaries, while following the example of Western Andalusia, representatives of urban proletariat started to appear in local bodies also elsewhere.
  Unlike the Northerners who conceived Traditionalism as rooted in family and regional values, Fal was focused on structures. As alliances were likely to get them dominated by other groupings, victorious campaign – maybe unfeasible as exclusively Carlist affair - should be launched and controlled by Carlists. In line with this vision, under Fal Carlism steered clear of alliances, its strategy dubbed "isolationism" or "exclusiveness". Though he felt compelled to join Renovación Española in National Bloc (the Spanish Right-wing political alliance of the 1930s) late 1934, he made sure the access was as non-committal as possible. In 1935 he grew increasingly skeptical and later that year let Rodezno mix with the Alfonsinos on the private business basis before definitely abandoning the alliance in the spring of 1936. From the onset highly suspicious about CEDA he was more than happy to see it decompose in 1935-6.
  Another shift in Carlist strategy under Fal was de-emphasizing of politics and focusing on organizational buildup, with special attention paid to paramilitary. His vision was already set on violent overthrow of the Republic; starting 1935 openly belligerent language became increasingly common at Carlist rallies, with references to sacrifice, blood, arms, violence and power. Permitting taking part in 1936 elections, Fal did not pay much attention to the campaign. Though Rodeznistas viewed him as an uninspiring, colorless, mediocre bureaucrat, Fal gained recognition bordering devotion among Requeté and the youth. Also Alfonso Carlos seemed perfectly satisfied; in December 1935 he raised Fal from Secretary General to Jefe Delegado.
caption: Carlist meeting, 1930s
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