The following two articles, the first --a letter to the editor published on September 7th, 1854-- entitled "Spanish Affairs - the Republicans of Spain," and the second, --an article published on December 22nd, 1918-- entitled "Catalan Question an Issue in Spain" are clear examples that the "Catalan controversy" has been around for quite some time.
A few extracts:
Letter to the Editor: "Spanish Affairs - the Republicans of Spain" (September 7th, 1854).
[…] There is a Province in Spain which, at all times, has shown a spirit of independence. That Province is "Catalonia." […] This people know their rights, and will have them; but, to obtain them, they have to work with utmost prudence, (as experience has taught them,) and they are doing it."
To read the full article, please click here.
"Catalan Question an Issue in Spain - Province Which Denies That It Ever Had Been Conquered by Castille Now Demands Self-Determination" (December 22nd, 1918).
[…] "The Catalan question, a question of liberties which had slumbered for ages, awoke, has suddenly appeared in the political sphere, and is imposed as a delicate and difficult problem for the Government of Madrid."
To read the full article, please click here.
⚡️ Thread with legal and historical arguments on "#Catalonia #selfdetermination” https://t.co/Z1lx1D1bdS
— Col·lectiu Emma (@CollectiuEmma) 15 de març de 2017