Origins and Evolution of Basque Nationalism

The Origins of Basque Nationalism

Basque nationalism emerged in the late nineteenth century with the Bizkaitarra. Initially tied exclusively to Bizkaia, the movement later expanded its claims to include all provinces with a Basque population. The core elements of Basque nationality were rooted in race, language, law, nature, and customs.

Sabino Arana and the EAJ-PNV

The primary driver of this movement was Sabino Arana, founder of the EAJ-PNV. Arana advocated for a complete break from Spain and the proclamation of independence to protect Basque society from modern influences such as secularism, immigration, and industrialization.

The Fuerista Perspective

From a traditional fuerista perspective, Arana sought to collect and bring coherence to ideas already circulating within society. The repeal of historical privileges in 1876 triggered two distinct reactions:

• The Pragmatists: Those who transformed economic loss into the Concierto Económico to benefit themselves.
• The Traditionalists: Supporters of the Carlist cause who defended the full recovery of the charters (fueros) and opposed urban industrialization.

Ideology and the Motto

The motto of Basque nationalism, "Jainkoa eta Lege Zaharra" (God and Old Law), emphasized the union of the Catholic religion with the recovery of traditional Basque charters. On July 31, 1895, the EAJ-PNV was founded with a solemn anti-Spanish declaration and a commitment to restoring the traditional legal order.

Internal Tensions and Evolution

The party initially struggled to expand beyond its base of Bilbao's traditionalist petty bourgeoisie. To grow, it eventually incorporated a more modern, industrial bourgeoisie, leading to internal tensions between:

• Independence advocates: Those seeking total sovereignty.
• Autonomists: Those seeking a more feasible and practical autonomy within the Spanish state.

Alongside the ethnic and rural nationalism of Sabino Arana, figures like Ramon de la Sota emerged, representing a fuerista approach rooted in liberalism. While they formed the organ Euskalduna, others like Luis Arana pushed for independence through Aberri.

Schisms and the Second Republic

In 1910, the PNV suffered a schism as progressive elements formed Askatasuna, a group favoring a secular and republican nationalism. This movement did not fully succeed until the Second Republic, when the EAE-ANV (Basque Nationalist Action) was established.