Francesc Macià facts for kids
Francesc Macià i Llussà (born September 21, 1859 – died December 25, 1933) was an important Spanish politician from Catalonia. He became the 122nd president of the Government of Catalonia. Before that, he was an officer in the Spanish Army.
Macià started his political journey wanting to improve Spain. But over time, he became a strong supporter of a Catalan Republic. He was the first president when the Catalan government was brought back. He helped Catalonia gain its own self-government in modern times.
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Life Story of Francesc Macià
Early Years and Military Career
Francesc Macià was born in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Catalonia, Spain. When he was 16, his father passed away. Soon after, he joined the Military Academy of Guadalajara. He became an engineer in the Spanish Army, working with bridges, railways, and telegraphs.
He was sent to different cities like Barcelona and Madrid. He rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant-colonel. In 1887, he moved to Lleida. There, he met Eugènia Lamarca, who became his wife. They had three children together.
Standing Up for Catalonia
In 1905, some Spanish army officers attacked the offices of two Catalan newspapers. This happened because of a joke in a satirical journal called ¡Cu-Cut!. The Spanish government then passed a law that made it easier to punish crimes against the country or the army.
Many political groups in Catalonia joined together to form Solidaritat Catalana (Catalan Solidarity). They wanted to protect Catalonia's rights. Macià spoke out against the army's actions. Because of this, he was moved to Santoña, far from Catalonia.
In 1907, Macià ran for election as part of Catalan Solidarity. He won and became a deputy in the Spanish Congress. He was re-elected many times until 1923. At first, he wanted to improve Spain as a whole. But later, he began to support Catalonia having more self-rule, or even becoming independent.
Becoming an Independentist Leader
In 1919, Macià started the Nationalist Democratic Federation. This group wanted Spain to be a federal country, where Catalonia would have a lot of self-government. In 1922, Macià founded a new party called Estat Català. This party openly supported Catalonia becoming independent.
In 1923, Miguel Primo de Rivera took control of Spain in a sudden military takeover. Macià had to leave Spain and went to Perpignan, France. In 1926, he tried to start an uprising against Primo de Rivera's government. This plan, called the plot of Prats de Molló, aimed to make Catalonia independent.
Macià hired some Italian soldiers to help with the plan. But the French police stopped the attempt. Macià was arrested and spent two months in jail. Even though the plan failed, Macià and his goal became very popular in Catalonia. He later moved to Brussels, Belgium, where his fame grew. He returned to Spain in 1931.
The Catalan Republic and the Generalitat
In March 1931, Estat Català joined with other parties to form a new group called Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC). Francesc Macià became the main leader of this new party.
On April 14, 1931, important local elections took place in Spain. These elections led to the king leaving the country. A few hours before the Second Spanish Republic was declared in Madrid, Macià made a big announcement. From the balcony of the Palau de la Generalitat in Barcelona, he declared the "Catalan Republic." He hoped other parts of Spain would also become republics and form a Spanish Confederation.
Macià was named the temporary president of Catalonia. Three days later, the new Spanish government sent ministers to talk with Macià. They reached an agreement. The Catalan Republic was renamed the Generalitat of Catalonia. It became an autonomous government within the Spanish Republic. Macià continued as its temporary president.
The Generalitat's main job was to write a special law for Catalonia's self-government. This law, called the Statute of Autonomy, was approved in 1932. In November 1932, the first Catalan parliamentary election was held. Macià's party won by a lot. He was then officially named President of the Generalitat of Catalonia. He held this position until he passed away.
His Passing
Francesc Macià died on December 25, 1933, in Barcelona. He passed away from appendicitis. His funeral was a very large and sad event. His remains are buried in the Plaça de la Fe at the Montjuïc Cemetery in Barcelona.
Historical Records
Some of Francesc Macià's personal papers are kept at the National Archive of Catalonia. This collection includes photos from his travels in Catalonia and family pictures. It also has documents he created or received, like personal letters and political papers. These documents show his work before he became president, including his time as a Member of Parliament. There are also records about his party, Estat Català, and photos from his time as president.
Another part of Macià's personal archive is at the Pavelló de la República CRAI Library at the University of Barcelona. This includes letters, documents from the Catalan Centre in New York, and newspaper clippings.
See also
In Spanish: Francesc Macià para niños
- Plaça de Francesc Macià, Barcelona
