Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
7. 1909-1931: THE REVOLUTIONARY YEARS
But discontent brewed among workers, Catalan nationalists, communists, Spanish
fascists, royalists, anarchists and republicans. In 1909, protests against the Moroc-
canwarsparkedabrutalriot,the
SetmanaTràgica
(TragicWeek).Lurchingtowards
CivilWar,CataloniapassedunderadictatorshipbeforebeingdeclaredaRepublicin
1931.
8. 1936-1975 CIVIL WAR & FRANCO
At the outbreak of war in 1936, Barcelona's workers and militants managed to fend
offFranco'stroopsforawhile.ThecitywastakenbyFascistforcesin1939,prompt-
ing a wave of repression, particularly of the Catalan language which was banned in
schools.
9. 1975-1980S TRANSITION TO DEMOCRACY
Franco's death in 1975 paved the way for democracy. The Catalan language was re-
habilitated and Catalonia was granted regional autonomy. The first Catalan govern-
ment was elected in 1980.
10. 1992-PRESENT DAY THE OLYMPICS & BEYOND
Barcelona was catapulted onto the world stage in 1992 with the highly successful
Olympics. In 2011, after 32 years of socialist government, the centre-right Catalan
nationalist party (CiU) rose to power in the city. Parties supporting Catalonia inde-
pendence continue to gain ground.
View photo
Top 10 Historical Figures
1. Guifre the Hairy
ThefirstCountofBarcelona(d.897)isregardedasthefoundingfatherofCata-
lonia.
