Basque Nationalism: Origins, Ideology, and Evolution

The Rise of Basque Nationalism

Early Influences and Ideological Roots

The text explores the emergence of Basque nationalism, highlighting its connection to Carlism and the Catalan model. The Carlist motto, "God, King, and Fueros," resonated with Basque nationalism's emphasis on religion and fueros (traditional rights and privileges). Sabino Arana, a key figure in Basque nationalism, drew inspiration from the Catalan model during his studies in Barcelona.

Characteristics of Basque Identity

The author emphasizes the distinct characteristics of the Basque people, including their unique race, language, religion, traditions, and way of life. These characteristics, particularly the strong sense of cultural identity, fueled the movement for autonomy.

The Formation of Political Organizations

Batzokis and the Emergence of a Political Party

The text suggests that the creation of Batzokis (cultural centers for Basque people) laid the groundwork for a political party. While initially intended for cultural development, the Batzokis became the foundation for a broader political movement. The text mentions a Batzorde, which later evolved into a political party, with all Batzokis under its umbrella. This model, initially implemented in Biscay, was envisioned as a potential framework for a confederation encompassing all Basque territories.

The EAJ and the Question of Independence

The EAJ (Basque Nationalist Party) was established in 1895 as the political arm of the Basque nationalist movement. Notably, despite Sabino Arana's inclination towards independence, there was no explicit mention of it in the text.

Divergent Nationalist Factions

Arana's Xenophobic Nationalism vs. De La Sota's Integrationist Approach

The text highlights the emergence of two distinct nationalist factions. Sabino Arana's group was characterized by xenophobia, radicalism, and a desire for independence. They viewed foreigners who had migrated to the Basque Country for work as a threat to Basque identity and society.

In contrast, the group led by De La Sota, comprised of businessmen, sought to integrate foreigners into Basque society. They advocated for autonomy rather than independence, recognizing the economic benefits of foreign labor in the Basque industries. Their support for autonomy stemmed from the understanding that independence would jeopardize the favorable tariffs that fueled industrial development in the Basque Country.