Asturias History: Key Events, Figures, and Autonomy

A Brief History of Asturias

16th-17th Century: The Arbitrators

In seventeenth-century Spain, a group of 16 ARBITRATOR thinkers emerged, proposing various policies and means to solve the problems of the Spanish economy.

18th Century: Audiencia de Asturias

After the War of Succession (1702-1713), the Audiencia de Asturias was established in 1719. This resulted in municipalities losing their autonomy, despite their aspirations to the throne and their defense of the new king, Philip V.

18th-19th Century: Illustrated Asturians

Notable figures who contributed to the central government include:

• Jose Campillo y Cossio (1693-1743): Published treatises on economics and public administration.
• Feijoo (1676-1764): Known for his criticism of traditional culture's prejudices.
• Campomanes (1723-1802): Served as minister under Charles III, implementing projects in economy, culture, and education.
• Jovellanos (1744-1811): Minister under Charles IV, known for his reformist ideology and belief in progress.

19th Century: Universal Suffrage

During the democratic presidential term (1868-1874), the popular classes participated massively in elections to the Constituent Cortes of 1869, the first by universal suffrage.

20th Century: Labor Movements and Emigration

The strike of 1917 gave the Asturian labor movement a high level of political understanding and emphasized united action between socialist and communist anarchists.

Asturian Emigration was intense between 1880 and 1900. In 1885-1886, the province of Oviedo ranked third in the number of emigrants to the Spanish colonies in America, the Caribbean, and Mexico.

20th Century: Currents of the Asturian Proletariat (1875-1931)

The main currents were Socialist (Nalón basins, manufacturing centers, and Oviedo) and Anarchist (from Gijón to the interior and La Felguera).

20th Century: October 1934 Revolution

The October 1934 Revolution in Asturias was a confrontation between the working class and government forces. The revolutionaries opposed the entry of the Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Right (CEDA) into the government and is considered the first socialist revolution in Spanish history.

20th Century: Spanish Civil War Impact

The Impact of the Spanish Civil War in Asturias developed in four phases: the first three involved Republican offensives to regain Oviedo, and the fourth, from spring 1937, saw Nationalist forces attacking after occupying Santander.

20th Century: Strike Movements

Early strike movements occurred in the mining sector in the late 1950s. Despite harsh repression, labor organization spread to other fields.

21st Century: Prince of Asturias Award

The Prince of Asturias Award, created in 1981 by the Prince of Asturias Foundation, is a prestigious academic and socio-cultural event. It recognizes achievements in arts, sports, social sciences, harmony, international cooperation, communication, humanities, letters, research, science, and technology. A special award is also given to exemplary people of Asturias. The awards are presented annually at the Campoamor Theater in Oviedo.

21st Century: Statute of Autonomy

The Statute of Autonomy of Asturias was approved on December 15, 1981. The principality became an autonomous province with its capital at Oviedo, governed by the General Meeting of the Principality (Parliament). In April 1983, the province of Oviedo was renamed the province of Asturias. According to the Statute, the community is divided into 78 councils, parishes, and neighborhoods for administrative purposes.

Asturias' Fundamental Institutions

• The General Meeting of the Principality: Represents the Asturian people, exercises legislative power, approves the budget, and controls the Government. Members are elected by universal suffrage every 4 years.
• The Council or Regional Government: Leads political action and exercises executive functions.
• The President of the Autonomous Region: Holds the highest representation of the community and is elected by parliament from among its members.