Basque Nationalism and the 1894 Restoration Crisis

The Origins of Basque Nationalist Thought

While the exact author of the text remains unconfirmed, it is widely believed that Sabino Arana, or someone very close to him, penned these articles. These texts are a series of articles (rather than a formal law) that discuss the primary nationalist ideas prevalent during the creation of the first batzoki in the old part of Bilbao. Published in 1894 during the Spanish Restoration, this primary source appeared in a newspaper, meaning the target readers were the general citizenry.

Political and Economic Context in 19th Century Spain

The political situation was as follows: the country was in the later period of the Restoration settlement. The era of peaceful party rotation had already passed, leading into a second period where stability began to falter and colonial tensions resurfaced. This was the moment just before the Cuba disaster, but the colonial problems that would eventually lead to the total loss of the colonies had already begun. Economically, Spain was an agricultural country using very traditional methods. However, the beginnings of industrialization had started, especially in Catalonia and, in the case of the Basque Country, in Biscay. Industrial growth took special strength here after the end of the Third Carlist War, marking the moment when the modern industrialization of the Basque Country truly began.

Social Stratification and Class Conflict

Regarding society, a new class-based society was emerging where the primary criterion for social division was wealth; the richer an individual was, the better their social standing. This resulted in a society of highly confronted groups, as a very small, wealthy elite lived alongside a poor majority. This created a critical situation for poor peasants and immigrants who had arrived from various areas to work in the industry under very poor conditions.

Three Responses to the Restoration Crisis

During the second part of the Restoration, a systemic crisis began, leading to three distinct ideological responses:

• Regenerationism: This movement consisted of those who criticized the system from the inside, such as Joaquín Costa, wanting to modify things while following the existing system.
• The Workers' Movement: This more modern approach was linked to political parties of workers who sought a place in politics to make the system more favorable for the poor.
• Nationalism: Regions with distinct statuses and identities became frustrated with a government that failed to improve their conditions. Consequently, they began demanding autonomy to control their own affairs, starting first in Catalonia and later in the Basque Country.