National Identity and Decentralization: Case Study of Catalonia

The aim of this thesis is to present a relation between national identity and decentralization on the case of Spanish autonomous region of Catalonia and an impact on its current political situation. The first part focuses on the analysis of the historical development of Catalonian national identity. At the beginning of the first chapter, national identity is defined as a term to help further understand the identification of its development throughout the history of this region. The following historical analysis, from the very first mentions of this region, gradually introduces all relevant moments and events that had an impact on the position of Catalonia and that helped to shape Catalonian national identity. The first chapter analyses history until the end of 19th century. An analysis of the political situation of 20th century follows, as this period was for the whole of Spain marked by discrepancies such as civil war and an establishment of Franco's dictatorship. The thesis does not focus on the political situation of the whole country, but rather on the position of Catalonia and their national identity during this period, while concentrating on the operation of institutions that helped their identity survive. The second chapter ends with a definition of the term decentralization as of the..