Catalan Political History and Socioeconomic Transformation
Political Catalanism
In 1714, communication was primarily oral, centered around family influence. Language served as the foundation of the nation, with a focus on defending civil code and protectionism. These factors contributed to the rise of political Catalanism.
Types of Catalanism
- La Renaixença: A conservative, bourgeois literary magazine established in 1881, with key figures like Jaume Massó i Torrents and Àngel Guimerà. It championed Catalan cultural identity.
- Iberian Federalism: Led by Valentí Almirall, a prominent figure in Catalan politics. He edited the first Catalan newspaper in 1871 and authored Lo Catalanisme in 1886.
El Diari Català, a politically active publication, became the first newspaper in Catalan in 1880. The same year witnessed the First Catalanist Congress, organized by Valentí Almirall.
In 1882, the first Centre Català was established, providing a platform for speeches, debates, and book publications. Valentí Almirall played a leading role in its activities.
Vigatanisme, an ultraconservative movement, emerged with Torras i Bages as its main representative. Centered around the Bishop of Vic, Torras i Bages authored La Tradició Catalana in 1892, a book that linked Catalan identity with Catholicism.
By 1887, the Centre Català, under Almirall, began to decline. The bourgeoisie became increasingly conservative. La Renaixença group, along with others like Enric Prat de la Riba, merged with the Centre Català in 1891, under Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
From 1891, this unified group, with substantial financial resources, published La Veu de Catalunya, which became the only conservative Catalan daily newspaper (alongside the Spanish-language, conservative La Vanguardia).
Assembly of the Catalanist Union
In 1892, the Bases de Manresa, a Catalan regional constitution, was drafted. This document, outlining an ideal Catalan state, represented the maximum achievable goal given the central power of Spain. It presented a vision that was both aspirational and pragmatic, acknowledging the limitations imposed by the Spanish government.
The Colonial Disaster of 1898
The loss of Cuba, known as the “Pearl of the Antilles” and “Siempre Fidelísima”, marked a turning point. The Cuban War of Independence, led by José Martí, began in 1895. The explosion of the USS Maine in Havana harbor in 1898 led to the Spanish-American War.
Simultaneously, the Philippines faced a similar struggle, achieving independence in 1899. The loss of these colonies plunged Spain into an economic and institutional crisis, inspiring the Generation of ’98 literary movement. Industrial unrest grew, with figures like Francisco Franco, the future dictator, emerging from the military.
The Twentieth Century
Society and Economy (1900-1933)
- Catalonia, along with the Basque Country, became the economic engine of Spain.
- New energy sources, petroleum and electricity, emerged, driving immigration.
Demographics
The population increased significantly.
Economy
The Second Industrial Revolution brought new industries, such as cable manufacturing, and public transport (tram and metro). Large companies like La Canadiense (1912) emerged, with significant purchasing power and foreign investments. Industrial diversification continued, with the textile industry remaining prominent, alongside companies like Hispano-Suiza (1892) and Motor Ibérica (1920, a subsidiary of the North American company, later Nissan).
Radio broadcasting began with the first station in Barcelona, EAJ-1 Radio Barcelona (initially called Alfa-Eco, then Juliette). It was later forced to integrate with Radio Barcelona under the Primo de Rivera dictatorship, as Madrid sought to centralize broadcasting.
Banking infrastructure developed to provide large loans. The Catalan banking sector experienced a decline with the collapse of the Bank of Barcelona in 1920, while Basque and Madrid-based banks, like the predecessor of BBVA, flourished. Catalan savings were increasingly controlled by external financial institutions.
Society
Rural areas were populated by tenant farmers, including Andalusian anarchists. In urban areas, the bourgeoisie prospered during World War I (1914-1918). Employers’ associations, such as Fomento del Trabajo Nacional and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation, emerged to protect their interests. These organizations merged in 1919 to address labor conflicts. Somatents, civilian militias, were used to suppress worker dissent. Lockouts were employed as a tool against strikes.
Religion
The Church maintained significant influence and received state subsidies.
Urban Working Class
Working conditions remained harsh, with 10-11 hour workdays, no minimum wage, and limited insurance. Labor laws, including workplace accident compensation and Sunday rest, began to be implemented from 1900. Child labor was permitted from age 11. Enforcement remained weak, leading to the creation of the Labor Inspectorate in 1907.