Characteristics of the first Carlist War in Catalonia

Abstract

The article presents a study of the general characteristics of the Carlist movement in Catalonia during the First Carlist War (1833–1840). The background of the conflict is elaborated. The article analyzes the relationship between multiple popular uprisings in the north-east of Spain in the first half of the 19th century (the Peninsular War, the War of the Malcontents, the Second Carlist War) and the war of 1833 to 1840. Catalonian Carlism and that of other parts of the country is distinguished. The date of the end of the First Carlist War in Catalonia is disputed: the more feasible day is the 14 of July and not the 6 of July of 1840, as is estimated in several studies. The investigation shows attempts to unify isolated Carlist groups in Catalonia. “The Junta of Berga” played an important role in coordinating of actions of the Carlists in Catalonia, but the conflict between J. A. Urbiztondo and the Junta exerted a negative influence on Carlist warfare. The social structure of the Carlist movement in this part of Spain is examined. On the basis of this study, the article refutes the presentation of the Carlists as criminals. At the same time the general cruelty by both sides of the conflict against prisoners during the First Carlist War in Catalonia is described. The reasons of that attitude are analysed in relation to the particularities of Carlism in the region. Refs 27.