The Origins Of Catalan Nationalism 1770-1898

Beginning with an analysis of Catalonia's integration within the Spanish nation-building project between from 1770, and following the growing tensions between both the Spanish state and its allies and Catalan social, cultural and political elites, this book focuses on the reasons behind the rise of Catalan nationalism in the late nineteenth century.

The events culminated in the late 1880s when a political and cultural movement emerged which affirmed that Catalonia was a separate nation and that it should therefore gave a high degree of political autonomy from Spain. This represented one of the most important developments of Spanish nineteenth century history, with the 'Catalan question' thereafter never far from the centre of the Spanish political stage.

Smith also sets Catalonia within a broader European context, arguing that the study of the rise of Catalan nationalism has lessons for our overall understanding of regional and national identities. The Catalan case shows that rather than constituting two separate poles that never touch, there can be a considerable degree of ambiguity and overlap between these identities.