Verdades y mitos históricos del Valle de los Caídos | España
EL PAÍS・4 minutes read
The construction of the mountain hole involved dangerous working conditions resulting in deaths, with prisoners, including prisoners of war, participating to reduce their sentences. The site's inauguration on Victory Day in the Franco calendar and the presence of Franco's body signify its association with victory, leading to debates on its preservation for historical significance rather than a tribute to Franco.
Insights
- The construction of the mountain hole involved dangerous conditions leading to 15-20 deaths, with prisoners, including prisoners of war, working to reduce their sentences, despite the lack of true voluntariness due to their incarceration.
- The site's inauguration on Franco's Victory Day in 1959 and Franco's body's presence signify its association with victory rather than reconciliation, evolving into a mausoleum over time. Despite artistic debates, preserving it for historical significance could transform it into a center for studying civil wars and dictatorships, shifting away from a tribute to Franco.
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Recent questions
What were the working conditions like during the construction of the mountain hole?
Harsh
When was the site inaugurated, and what event did it coincide with?
April 1, 1959, Victory Day
Was the site originally intended to be a mausoleum for Franco?
No
How were prisoners involved in the construction of the mountain hole?
Voluntarily
What is the potential future transformation of the site?
Center for studying civil wars
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Summary
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"Mountain Hole Construction: Involuntary Labor, Franco's Mausoleum"
- The construction of a mountain hole involved dangerous working conditions, resulting in 15 to 20 deaths from work accidents. Prisoners, including prisoners of war and common inmates, were involved voluntarily to reduce their sentences through labor, although the circumstances were not entirely voluntary due to their incarceration.
- The inauguration of the site, on April 1, 1959, coincided with Victory Day in the Franco calendar, showcasing its association with victory rather than reconciliation. The presence of Franco's body at the site indicates its commemoration of victory rather than a tribute to civil war victims.
- The site, initially not intended as a mausoleum for Franco, evolved into one over time. Despite debates on its artistic value, preserving it for its historical significance is crucial, potentially transforming it into a center for studying civil wars and dictatorships, rather than a tribute to Franco.
