Temes 2 i 3 V2 Restauració Borbònica i Catalanisme polític

Introduction to Political Catalanism

Overview of the Session

• This session is part of a series on Topic 23 in the history course of Segunda Batshi, focusing specifically on political Catalanism.

• The video will cover definitions, origins, and distinctions between progressive and conservative Catalanism. A third part will address Catalanism as a form of nationalism during the Restoration period starting from 1908.

Defining Political Catalanism

• Political Catalanism is described as a collection of doctrines and social movements that emerged throughout the 19th century, asserting Catalunya's political identity and demanding recognition.

Historical Context

Impact of Historical Events

• The War of Succession (1714) significantly harmed Catalunya, leading to the loss of its institutions through the Nueva Planta decrees in 1707. Spanish became the sole official language for administration and education.

• Post-1707, while public use of Catalan ceased, it continued in private spheres thanks to organized civil society efforts through cultural entities like literary societies and publications advocating for language preservation.

Origins of Catalanism

Role of Renaixença Movement

• The Renaixença was crucial in reviving the Catalan language and culture during the 19th century, aiming for public literary use around 1833 with works like "La Patria."

• Key figures such as Joaquim Rubió i Ors contributed significantly by publishing influential works that marked the beginning of this cultural renaissance around 1841.

Cultural Developments

Literary Contributions

• Intellectual efforts focused on historical studies about Catalunya's medieval past were prominent; notable scholars included Manuel Mila i Fontanals and Pròsper de Beaufarui who explored Barcelona's counts' roles.

• Various philologists researched folklore elements like songs and legends; Maria Aguillo was highlighted for her contributions to this field. Additionally, floral games established in Barcelona promoted writing in Catalan among poets since 1850.

Contrasting Movements: Cultured vs Popular Language

Distinction Between Literary Styles

• The cultured literary movement aimed at creating a refined version of written Catalan led to significant literary festivals promoting high literature but often distanced from everyday spoken language practices within civil society organizations.

Cultural and Political Catalanism in the 19th Century

The Role of Key Figures in Catalan Cultural Renaissance

• The discussion highlights the contributions of various figures to the Catalan cultural renaissance, emphasizing their roles in promoting the use of the Catalan language among working-class communities.

• Abdotarrades is noted for his federalist political stance and his use of articles as propaganda tools to advocate for the Catalan language, with works like "El rei micomico" satirizing monarchy.

• Publications such as "La Renaixença," founded by Valentí Almirall, are significant for their role in advocating for a progressive form of Catalan nationalism linked to cultural identity.

Progressivism and Political Transformation

• Valentí Almirall emerges as a key proponent of progressive Catalanism, opposing centralism and oligarchy while advocating for political transformation within existing movements.

• The need for political parties that reflect catalanist doctrines is emphasized, aiming to directly influence state administration and promote public institutions with political powers.

Establishing Political Structures

• Almirall argues that historical studies show distinct differences between industrialized Catalunya and traditional agrarian Spain, necessitating dedicated political parties.

• He proposes creating institutions that can address these differences politically, focusing on self-governance and autonomy.

Foundational Events in Catalan Nationalism

• In 1879, Almirall establishes the first Catalan newspaper aimed at promoting federal republican ideals while serving as a voice for popular classes across regions.

• The first congress of catalanists organized by Almirall in 1880 attempts to unify diverse tendencies but fails to reach significant agreements.

Advocacy Against Sucursalismo

• The establishment of "Centre català" marks a pivotal moment as it becomes the first strictly Catalonian party focused on linguistic rights and economic protectionism.

• During subsequent congresses, there is a strong denunciation against 'Sucursalismo,' where local decisions are dictated by external influences from Madrid.

• A call is made for politicians to abandon dynastic parties in favor of organizations rooted solely in Catalonia's interests.

Manifestos and Ideological Developments

• In 1885, Almirall publishes a manifesto defending Catalunya's material interests—considered one of the earliest political statements supporting catalanism.

• His work "Al catalanisme" (1886), theorizes about Catalunya’s national identity based on historical rights and cultural distinctions from Spain.

Catalan Nationalism and the Formation of Political Movements

The Emergence of the Lliga de Catalunya

• In 1887, the conservative sector in Catalonia established a new political party called the Lliga de Catalunya, which aimed to connect better with the Catalan bourgeoisie.

• Following this, by 1888, the leadership of catalanism shifted as Mirai's influence waned; however, it was not the only expression of catalanism as more progressive movements also emerged.

Key Demands of Lliga de Catalunya

• The Lliga de Catalunya had four fundamental demands:

• Official status for the Catalan language.

• Defense of civil rights in Catalonia.

• Economic protectionism.

• Implementation of policies exclusively focused on Catalonia, independent from state parties.

Early Initiatives and Victories

• One significant initiative occurred in 1888 when a message was sent to Queen Maria Cristina requesting full autonomy for Catalonia during her visit to inaugurate the Universal Exhibition in Barcelona.

• In 1889, a campaign defended civil rights against proposed reforms to the civil code discussed in Madrid. This campaign is considered a political victory for catalanism as it led to changes in legislation.

Formation of Unió Catalanista

• After these campaigns highlighted organizational needs within catalanism, Arcís Verdegué proposed founding Unió Catalanista to unify various regional groups under one umbrella.

• Unió Catalanista served as a federation encompassing diverse associations and publications related to catalanism, aiming to raise awareness about particularistic identity and governance needs.

The Bases de Manresa and Regional Autonomy

• A notable event organized by Unió Catalanista was the assembly at Manresa in 1892 that produced "Bases per a la Constitució Regional Catalana," advocating for full sovereignty for Catalonia through seventeen articles outlining legislative powers and official language status.

• These bases represented an early formulation of an autonomy statute for Catalonia, emphasizing limited state competencies and restoration of historical institutions.

Influence of Clergy on Conservatism

• The role of clergy within conservatism is acknowledged; they aligned with conservative catalanism through intellectual movements like veganisme that promoted traditional values alongside regionalist strategies.

• In 1892, Bishop Torres i Valles published works asserting that family, property, and religion were central tenets defending against social change due to industrialization.

Continued Advocacy by Unió Catalana

Repression of Catalanism in Spain

Criticism and Repression

• The initiatives aimed at promoting Catalanism faced significant backlash in Madrid, leading to strong criticism.

• This period marked the beginning of intense repression against Catalan nationalism, justified by claims that it posed a threat to the unity of Spain.

• Numerous publications were banned, and even propaganda events were suspended as part of this crackdown on Catalan culture.