The origins of the ambiguity. Nation and empire in Catalonia from the Middle Ages to the 1880s
Sheldon H. Jacobson
Catalans have belonged to composite monarchies, imperial constellations and nation states, and, as a result, possessed multiple identities allegiances throughout history. Catalan nationhood first emerged in the Middle Ages. Upon Union of crowns Aragon Castile late fifteenth century, educated also came feel 'Spanish', understood an overarching identity consisting community pure-blooded Catholics on both sides Atlantic. Following loss most American colonies early nineteenth Spanishness became increasingly regarded form national identification. Various patrias or nationalities Iberian Peninsula shared customs, spoke similar language, consisted citizens subjects constitutional monarchy. During twentieth centuries, dual - Spaniards which proved mutually reinforcing. At same time, ongoing age-old rivalries between Castilians over direction state harboured seeds from regionalist ultimately ambiguous nationalist movement would spring.
Studies on National Movements