The events throughout Catalonia’s journey to independence will shed light on how Catalonia built resilience and a great sense of nationalism. However, despite wanting independence, Catalonia struggles throughout the years to practice unity, and hence the journey of independence is a long one. From inner conflicts to oppression from Spain, this timeline depicts events from 1640-1984 that have significantly impacted Catalonia as a nation and contribute to artwork, such as the Casa Batllo. No matter the differing ideologies, throughout the years, Catalonia has undergone changes and hardships that shape their people to this day.
Timeline
Table of Events
| Date | Event | Created by |
|---|---|---|
| circa. 1640 | Catalonia and Land LossCatalonia rebelled against centralization from Castile, a region in Spain. Unfortunately, Catalonia lost the rebellion and was repressed by losing their land (Dowling 2). Catalonia’s loss of land is an ongoing issue presently, which contributes to the ongoing struggle for independence in Catalonia. Fighting against an oppressive power and suffering a devastating loss inhibited Catalonia from developing into an independent nation and created division within Catalonia. Tensions within the climate of Catalonia are significant in the never-ending battle for Catalan people to be recognized as their own country, rather than to be overshadowed by Spain.
|
Lizbeth Yvey |
| circa. 1917 | Assemblea de Parlamentaris and the LligaIn 1917, there was a revolutionary general strike and the creation of the Assemblea de Parlamentaris (Assembly of Parliamentarians) led by the Lliga, a movement which looked to the modernization of the Spanish state and reform of the corrupt parliament (Dowling 21). Spain, like many other European countries, was going through a crisis and problems with maintaining power over Catalonia. Catalonia was progressing in their conquest for independence by organizing movements and having the willpower to go against Spain. However, Barcelona did not approve of the Lliga, and Catalonia became further divided by conservatism and liberal beliefs. While the division was expected, Catalonia cannot set clear goals or have successful movements and rebellions to become a nation. Spain can take advantage of this and further spread propaganda or anything of the like to maintain the upper hand and power over Catalonia.
|
Lizbeth Yvey |
| circa. 1936 | Attacks on the Catholic Church in BarcelonaCatalonia's defeat in the Spanish Civil War was a major set back for the journey of independence. Shortly after, the Catholic Church in Barcelona had been subjected to attacks, further increasing the ongoing political and nationalistic tensions in Catalonia (Dowling 31). Spain was a contributor to the tension, but Catalonia was also a threat to itself. The Catalan people allowed differences to divide them and for violence to be condoned while forgetting to free themselves from the oppression of Spain. Inner conflicts were a factor as to why Catalonia didn’t have independence, as well as the continuing losses against Spain. Despite many setbacks, Catalonia continued towards the path of independence and refused to give in to being oppressed.
|
Lizbeth Yvey |
| circa. 1939 | Franco's RegimeCatalonia was under a dictatorship by Franco’s regime during the time the First World War broke out, and Spain had villainized Catalan people as traitors. Because of this, tensions escalated within the Spanish Civil War (Dowling 37). Catalonia had to be under another oppressive ruler determined to push forward his ideology and maintain his power over the people. This allowed for Catalonia to be split among themselves during a civil war and being powerless against Franco’s regime. Spain was willing to divide the Catalonia nation and push their political agenda, which constrained Catalonia’s power to rebel or refuse to be contained in Spain.
|
Lizbeth Yvey |
| circa. 1951 | The Tram Boycott in BarcelonaThe Franco regime did not have enough support within Catalonia, specifically those residing in Barcelona due to the tram boycott in March. There was public support in the protest against Barcelona’s trams suffering price rises, while Madrid did not have any kind of price rise (Dowling 59). The people protested against “the regime’s discrimination against Barcelona, against its commerce, language and culture” (Dowling 60). After much debate, the price rises were repealed. This was a small victory economically for Barcelona and Catalonia; it was a step towards future nationalistic events and fighting against the Franco regime. The Catalan people were determined to fight against the injustice of the regime, even if it had consequences. The protest was successful, but it was only the beginning of Catalonia’s journey for independence. The primary motivation for the protest was economic gain, as the majority of the supporters were not in favor of Catalonia becoming independent. A frequent theme within Catalonia and independence is the obstacle of division within the nation and how financial gain is of utmost priority. As such, the protest appears to have a lesser impact when analyzed. Nationalism in Catalonia is fierce and strong, but some Catalan people are afraid of it becoming reality.
|
Lizbeth Yvey |
| circa. 1984 | Barcelona and MadridBarcelona was at the forefront of nationalism and revolution in Catalonia and proved to be a problem since Barcelona was a prime competitor to Madrid, a city in Spain (Dowling 123). Despite having monetary leverage, Catalonia still did not have the political influence to bring about change and their agenda to separate from Spain. There are people from Catalonia who disagree with splitting and having independence. Most of these feelings can stem from the insecurity of Catalonia being unable to thrive by itself and not having any help from an influential country like Spain. Mixed feelings and conflicts are the main reasons for Catalonia to struggle with the idea of independence. It can also be assumed that Barcelona is the only recognizable place in Catalonia and would be the only city to thrive under independence, which would leave the smaller and more unrecognizable areas to suffer or be ignored by another greater power.
|
Lizbeth Yvey |
