National and Regional Identities in Spain: 19th and 20th Centuries
National and Regional Approaches in Spain
Catalan Identity
The formation of Spanish identity involved a variety of territories with their own languages, cultures, economies, institutions, and histories. These unique identities did not disappear with the creation of the liberal, centralist state but evolved and experienced a cultural and political revival in the 19th century. However, the centralized nature of the liberal state failed to fully integrate these regional identities.
During the Restoration, a conservative, Catholic Spanish identity was promoted, emphasizing faith and fatherland. This reaction against the centralist involution of 1874 coincided with the growing differentiation of social and economic structures. Catalonia, in particular, experienced significant industrial development, fostering a wealthy bourgeoisie and a group of intellectuals who championed regional interests and autonomy.
Centralism disregarded the aspirations of the Catalans, leading to the *Renaixença* (Renaissance) movement. During the revolutionary six-year period (1868-1874), Catalonia asserted its distinct personality and sought political and administrative institutions. The subsequent Restoration period saw the emergence of various Catalan groups and associations. Later, historical events shaped the political foundation for future Catalan nationalism.
Prominent figures among the conservative bourgeoisie included Puig i Cadafalch and Duran i Ventosa. By the end of the century, a widespread Catalan sentiment existed, though it was primarily regionalist and accepted membership within Spain while advocating for greater political power for Catalonia within the state.
The disaster of 1898 created a crisis in relations between the regions and the state, transforming Catalan regionalism into a significant political force. Catalan nationalists, seeking to regenerate the periphery, entered the government of Polavieja and Silvela. The Catalan bourgeoisie allied with defenders of Catalan interests, forming a coalition that triumphed in elections. This coalition evolved into the core conservative Catalan party, the Regionalist League, which aimed to achieve autonomy within the Spanish state. Pompeu Fabra played a crucial role in establishing Catalan spelling rules in 1913.
Basque Nationalism
The Basque territory historically enjoyed privileges, including institutions like the General Councils, its own laws, and financial autonomy. These rights were not lost with the Peace of Vergara but were maintained until 1876. The defeat in the Third Carlist War marked the end of autonomy for the Basque Country and Navarre, although some degree of financial autonomy was retained through the economic agreement.
The loss of autonomy frustrated the aspirations of the Basque Councils and generated resentment towards the government. Basque nationalism, influenced by Catalan nationalism, found its basis in Carlism and had a strong religious and conservative character. Its social base consisted primarily of the middle class and peasantry.
Economic growth and social change accelerated this sentiment, leading to the formation of various groups, individuals, and associations. A Basque nationalist party was established, and from that year on, it began to participate in municipal and congressional elections.
Galician Regionalism
The Galician movement had its central figures, including Emilia Pardo Bazán. The resurgence of political consciousness was activated during the Federal Republic and continued with federalist writers who drafted a Galician constitution in 1887. The desire for a specific regional policy led to the emergence of its defenders. Galicians engaged in a struggle against *caciquismo* (political bossism) and for the redemption of the *foros* (land tenure system), which transformed into a rejection of the existing parliamentary system.
Valencia and Andalusia
Valencian regionalism was based on the *Renaixença* movement, led by figures like Teodoro Llorente, Constantí Llombart, Fèlix Pizcueta, and Vicent Querol. One faction, conservative and literary, focused on defending the unity of Spain and participated in the Floral Games of 1879. The other faction was more concerned with the political projection of Valencia and drew inspiration from the achievements of their Catalan counterparts.
During this period, only a few writers addressed issues of Valencian identity. In the 20th century, regionally-based organizations emerged, and a minority organized the first Valencian Regionalist Assembly.
In Andalusia, Blas Infante promoted the establishment of regional institutions and published *El Ideal Andaluz*, which asserted the unique character of Andalusia and advocated for the creation of an Andalusian Commonwealth.