Corpus de Sang facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Corpus de Sang
Part of Thirty Years' War
"Corpus of Blood" by H. Miralles (1910)
Date 7 June, 1640 Location Sant Andreu de Palomar, Barcelona, Spain Result Catalan victory
Belligerents
Catalonia	Spanish Monarchy
Commanders and leaders
	Dalmau de Queralt†
Casualties and losses
	Between 12 & 20 dead

The Corpus de Sang (which means "Corpus of Blood") was a big riot that happened in Sant Andreu de Palomar and later in Barcelona. This event took place from June 7 to 10, 1640, during the Corpus Christi holiday. It was a very important moment that changed the direction of the Reapers' War.

The riot started when a group of farmers, called harvesters, got into a fight with some local people from Sant Andreu de Palomar. During this fight, one harvester was badly hurt. This incident quickly grew into a much larger conflict.

What Was the Corpus de Sang?

The Corpus de Sang was a major uprising by the people of Catalonia against the Spanish government. It happened because people were unhappy with how the Spanish king was ruling. They felt that their rights and traditions were not being respected.

Why Did the Riot Start?

The main reason for the riot was the presence of Spanish soldiers in Catalonia. These soldiers were fighting in the Thirty Years' War, and they were staying in Catalan homes. This caused many problems, as the soldiers often treated the local people badly. They would demand food and shelter, and sometimes they would cause damage or harm.

The Catalan people felt that the Spanish government was not protecting them. They also believed that the government was taking away their special laws and freedoms. This made them very angry and frustrated.

The Spark of the Uprising

On June 7, 1640, which was the day of Corpus Christi, a small fight broke out. It involved some harvesters and local people. This small fight quickly turned into a huge riot. The angry crowd marched towards Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

When they reached Barcelona, the riot grew even bigger. The rioters attacked government buildings and symbols of Spanish power. They were especially angry at the Viceroy of Catalonia, Dalmau de Queralt, who was the king's representative.

The Death of the Viceroy

During the riot, the Viceroy, Dalmau de Queralt, tried to escape. However, the angry crowd caught him. He was killed during the uprising. His death showed just how serious and widespread the rebellion was. It was a clear sign that the people of Catalonia would no longer accept the Spanish king's rule.

What Happened Next?

The Corpus de Sang was a big victory for the Catalan people. It showed their strong desire for freedom. This event led directly to the start of the Reapers' War, also known as the Catalan Revolt. In this war, Catalonia fought for its independence from Spain.

The war lasted for many years and had a huge impact on both Catalonia and Spain. It was a time of great change and conflict in the region.

See also

In Spanish: Corpus de Sangre para niños