Geneva Manifesto facts for kids
The Geneva Manifesto was an important statement made by Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona. He was a prince who wanted to become the King of Spain. This statement was published in a Swiss newspaper called Journal de Genève on November 11, 1942. In the manifesto, Infante Juan officially asked for the Spanish monarchy to be brought back. He believed he should be the new king because he was the rightful heir to his father, Alfonso XIII, who had passed away the year before.
Why the Manifesto Was Made
Infante Juan first supported the government led by Francisco Franco. This was because his own political ideas were similar to Franco's. He had long been a supporter of a group called Spanish Action. One of the people who started this group, Eugenio Vegas Latapié, was a close advisor to Infante Juan.
Infante Juan and the Spanish Civil War
During the Spanish Civil War, Infante Juan tried to join the Nationalist side. However, he was stopped two times from joining the fight. First, Emilio Mola prevented him, and later Francisco Franco did the same. A historian named Hartmut Heine explained that Infante Juan's strong support for the Nationalist side made him miss a chance. He could have been seen as a king for all Spanish people, not just one group.
What Happened After the Manifesto
The Geneva Manifesto was very important for people who wanted the monarchy back. According to historian Hartmut Heine, the manifesto encouraged these people. It led to a rise in movements that wanted to restore the king to power in Spain.
