Quote (zarkadon @ 6 Sep 2014 12:16)
The catalans had nothing forced on them, they approved the consititution with over 90% of the votes, which means that out of Spains 17 regions, Catalonia gave the 4th highest support to the constitution.
And as for the unique history part, it really isn't comparable to cases like Scottland. Spain began to exist when the kingdoms of Castilla and Aragón fused in the early 16th century. Catalonia had been part of Aragón for centuries back then, so Spain has never existed without catalonia. They were never a separate entity.
And there's no way there is going to be a catalan terrorist group. ETA originated in a dictatorship, not in a free state democracy; people don't see the world in the same way. Plus, basque nationalism traces back to the defeat of the "carlistas" which were a group of people that supported a very traditional ideology in Spain and the basque regions became their last stronghold... some of these people had a lot of money and helped towards the creation of an army.
well to be fair it is NOT the same as scotland you're right there, but your version of catalan history is pretty much one of a spaniard who wants to convince someone that catalonia has no reason or right to be independent - if they want to or not.
the catalans revolted against aragon as well as against spain. and they DO have a unique history and culture.
concerning the constitution i did not say they had it forced ON them. i said it basically forces them to stay part of spain.
i obviously don't know spanish history as well as you do but i could imagine they supported it so strongly because it officially gave them the status of an autonomous community and acknowledged them as seperate nationality which was already more than spain wanted to give them. i'm not so sure if they were aware of the fact that they basically just got a nicely sounding status but screwed by the fact they lost any realistic chance of becoming really independent ever in a peaceful and legal way. and even if they knew at the time it seems unjust to me now.
i really hope there won't be any armed independent movement but you know these days all it takes is a sick mind and a hardware store or a pilot's licence...