The Historical Development of Catalanism and Spanish Regional Movements

Catalan Cultural Persistence and Identity

The persistence of Catalan identity (id. catalana) is characterized by:

• Use of Catalan texts written in everyday language, songs, etc.
• Maintenance of customs and traditions.
• A particularist consciousness within the Spanish monarchy.

The Renaixença (Cultural Revival)

This movement focused on promoting Catalan as a literary language (the "Cult").

• It began with Bonaventura Carles Aribau and Joaquim Rubió i Ors.
• It promoted the Floral Games (Jocs Florals).
• It aimed to recover archaic Catalan forms.
• It promoted the use of spoken Catalan in popular spheres (choral societies, newspapers, and popular theater).

Key Figures in Cultural Union Movements

Notable figures included Jacint Verdaguer and Àngel Guimerà.

Sources and Roots of Catalanism

Progressive Roots

The movement originated as a progressive reaction against the centralization of the liberal state, often linked to popular uprisings (bullangues).

Federalism

Represented by the Democratic Republican Federal Party (PDFR), led by Francesc Pi i Maragall.

• Defense of a decentralized, federal state.
• During the Six Revolutionary Years (1868–1874), they promoted the federal republic.
• During the Restoration, they proposed the first Catalan state constitution (1883).

Valentí Almirall

A foundational Catalan politician who:

• Advocated for the creation of political parties in Catalonia.
• Founded the Centre Català (1882).
• Promoted the Memorial de Greuges (1885).

Conservative Roots

The League of Catalonia (Lliga de Catalunya)

This group resulted from a split (excision) from the Centre Català.

• They promoted the Message to the Queen Regent (1888).

Catalanism of Religious Inspiration (Vigatanisme)

Represented by Josep Torras i Bages, who based Catalanism on the pillars of the traditional family, property, and religion.

The Catalanist Union (Unió Catalanista)

A federation of Catalanist entities with the following objectives:

• Promotion of the Catalan language.
• Development of a common political agenda.

This union produced the foundational document, the Bases de Manresa (1892).

The Regionalist League (Lliga Regionalista)

Resulted from the merger of the Catalan Regionalist Union and the National Center.

• It was the first major political party with significant Catalan electoral presence.
• Its primary goal was the defense of Catalan autonomy.

Comparative Regional Nationalisms and Regionalism

Basque Nationalism

This movement arose following the abolition of the traditional charters (fueros).

• Founded by Sabino Arana, focusing on the defense of Basque charters, race, and religion.
• Led to the creation of the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) in 1894.

Galicianism

Focused on claiming the Galician language and culture (the Rexurdimento or Renaissance).

• It did not adopt a significant political nature until the twentieth century, notably with figures like Vicente Risco.

Valencianism

A cultural rebirth movement focused on claiming the Valencian language.

Aragonism

Associated with Joaquín Costa's Regenerationism, emphasizing the revival of Aragonese traditions.

Andalusianism

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