Catalan Political Evolution: From Federalism to Nationalism (1885-1939)
The “Message to the Queen Regent” and Catalan Political Context
This document serves as a primary source on late 19th-century Spanish politics, specifically concerning Catalan movements. The context revolves around the “Message to the Queen Regent,” addressed to Maria Cristina.
Background of Catalan Political Evolution
Initially, a project led by a Catalan Admiral, a federal republican, proved unfeasible. It was unsuccessful because, on one hand, the Admiral’s strong republican stance was at odds with the prevailing monarchist political parties. On the other hand, the federal republican and social movement content of the Admiral’s project failed to attract broad popular support.
The Catalan political center began to fade in the mid-nineties. A new generation of conservative intellectuals and figures associated with the newspaper La Renaixença, who did not align with the Admiral’s federalist views, founded a new organization: Liga de Catalunya. This new group adopted a much more conservative character.
The Liga de Catalunya put forth several key demands: the official status of the Catalan language, the defense of Catalan civil law, protectionism, and the implementation of an exclusively Catalan political agenda. One of the first significant initiatives of this new grouping was the aforementioned “Message to the Queen Regent,” addressed to Maria Cristina.
Key Figures in Spanish and Catalan History
Antonio Maura
In 1902, Silvela’s government presented local government reform rules to the Cortes. In 1903, Silvela appointed Maura as his successor and President of the Government. During his tenure, Maura attempted to implement reforms but resigned in 1910 following the controversial death sentence of a blacksmith and a guard. Subsequently, Canalejas won the elections.
Francesc Cambó
A leading nationalist and conservative figure of the Lliga Regionalista, he opposed federalist changes.
Dámaso Berenguer
He was chosen by King Alfonso XIII to relieve Primo de Rivera (PDR) due to the prevailing crisis and Primo de Rivera’s terminal pancreatic illness. Berenguer also led a dictatorship, which was milder and thus nicknamed the “Dictablanda.” Elections were held on April 14, 1931, after which Republicans proclaimed the Second Republic. Two days later, the Republic was also proclaimed from the town halls of Jaca and Eibar.
Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia
He was a teacher at the Modern School. He was arrested for his alleged role in organizing the Tragic Week. His death sentence led to Maura’s resignation.
Manuel Goded Llopis
He was the general in charge of directing the military uprising in Catalonia during the outbreak of the Civil War. He was also the Chief of Staff under General Sanjurjo and participated in the Sanjurjada coup attempt.
Francisco Largo Caballero
Secretary General of the PSOE during the Second Republic. He signed the “Manifesto of Indefinite General Strike” for the UGT in 1923, after which he joined the Patriotic Union. In 1931, he became President of the Ministry of Labor.
Clara Campoamor
A prominent leader of the Radical Party and a staunch advocate of women’s suffrage. She is considered one of the driving forces of the suffragist and feminist movement in Spain and was one of the first women deputies in the Cortes of the Second Republic. She advocated for equal rights for women and promoted universal suffrage.
Santiago Casares Quiroga
He was President of the Spanish government when the Civil War broke out. He was the leader and founder of the ORGA (Organización Republicana Gallega Autónoma). His party later merged to create the Republican Left of Azaña, which subsequently joined the Popular Front.
Enric Prat de la Riba
He wrote the Bases de Manresa in 1892. In 1901, he founded the Lliga Regionalista. He was chosen as the first president of the Commonwealth of Catalonia.
Joaquín Costa
An author associated with the Generation of ’98, he is considered the father of Regenerationism.
Errico Malatesta
An Italian anarchist, he wrote extensively on anarcho-syndicalism.
The Admiral (Josep Maria Vallès i Ribot)
A Federalist Republican, he advocated for decentralization and was a significant figure in early Catalan political movements. He was a key figure in the transition of Catalan federalism. He helped establish the Centre Català in 1885 and was involved in the Memorial de Greuges.
CNT / FAI
Anarchist organizations (Confederación Nacional del Trabajo / Federación Anarquista Ibérica) that signed a pact for a general strike in 1917, advocating for non-revolutionary indefinite action.
Manuel Fernández Silvestre
A general who led 20,000 men to confront the Rif tribes. His decision to withdraw from an annual encampment led to the disastrous defeat known as the Disaster of Annual.
Valeriano Weyler
Known as the Captain General of Cuba and the Philippines.
Josep Puig i Cadafalch
He served as President of the Commonwealth of Catalonia.
Francisco Silvela
He came to power with reformist ideas. He intended to repay the debt from the war against Cuba by imposing a progressive tax. The bourgeoisie complained, leading to a “closing of the tills” (tax strike). This caused significant instability, and Silvela resigned.
Dr. Bartomeu Robert
Mayor of Barcelona, he refused to provide names for Villaverde’s tax lists and was subsequently imprisoned.
Josep Torras i Bages
A prominent Catalan bishop and intellectual, influential in the development of Catalan cultural nationalism.
Buenaventura Durruti
A Spanish revolutionary, unionist, and anarchist. The circumstances of his death are unclear, but it is believed he may have been assassinated, possibly by agents of the USSR.