Constituent Assembly of Catalan Separatism facts for kids
The Constituent Assembly of Catalan Separatism was an important meeting for people who wanted Catalonia to be an independent country. It happened in Havana, Cuba, from September 30 to October 2, 1928. The meeting was led by Francesc Macià, who was the head of a group called Estat Català.
Macià had tried to start a rebellion in 1926, known as the Plot of Prats de Molló, to overthrow the Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera in Spain and declare an independent Catalan Republic. After this attempt failed, he traveled around Latin America to gather support for the idea of an independent Catalonia. During the Assembly in Havana, they created a plan for a new government called the Provisional Constitution of the Catalan Republic. They also started a new political group called the Partit Separatista Revolucionari Català.
A Journey for Independence
Even though the Plot of Prats de Molló in November 1926 didn't succeed, it became very famous around the world. Historian Eduardo González Calleja said it took on an "epic dimension," meaning it became a big, inspiring story. This event helped make Macià a legendary figure, especially when the Spanish dictatorship was not very popular in Catalonia.
After this, Macià worked hard to spread the word about the "Catalan cause." In December 1927, he began a trip through Latin America, which ended in Cuba. He visited Catalan communities in Uruguay, where he was welcomed warmly. Then he went to Argentina, traveling to many cities like Buenos Aires, La Plata, Rosario, Córdoba, and Mendoza. He couldn't go to Chile because the leader there, Colonel Ibáñez, didn't let him into the country. Finally, he traveled to Cuba.
The Havana Assembly
In Havana, the Constituent Assembly of Catalan Separatism took place from September 30 to October 2, 1928. This political meeting for Catalan independence was inspired by the Assembly of Guaimaro, which helped create the first Constitution of Cuba. The idea for the Assembly came from Josep Conangla i Fontanals, who suggested it to Macià in September 1927. Macià liked the idea and supported it.
The Catalan Separatist Club number 1 in Havana organized the event. A special group, including Conangla, Claudi Mimó, Josep Murillo, and Josep Carner i Ribalta, handled the arrangements.
Macià was the main leader of the Assembly. Claudi Mimó was an honorary president. Josep Murillo and Josep López Franc were Vice Presidents. Joaquim Muntal and Ventura Gassol helped out. Conangla and Josep Carner Ribalta were the speakers. Josep Pineda was the secretary, and Lluís Font and Lleonard Ribot were assistant secretaries.
Twenty-five delegates attended the meeting. They approved the Provisional Constitution of the Catalan Republic. They also decided to create the Partit Separatista Revolucionari Català, a new political party.
At the Assembly, they also agreed that the best way to achieve independence for Catalonia was through an armed uprising by the Catalans. However, after another attempt to overthrow the Spanish government failed in January 1929, Macià changed his mind. He decided not to plan another invasion. Instead, he chose to organize a rebellion inside Catalonia, working with other groups in Spain who were also against the dictatorship and the monarchy.
See also
In Spanish: Asamblea Constituyente del Separatismo Catalán para niños
