Catalonia is a region of northeastern Spain, whose capital and largest city is Barcelona. The people in Catalonia speak Catalan as well as Spanish and have a culture and history that is distinct from other parts of the country. Catalonia is an autonomous community of Spain, which means that it is a part of the country of Spain but has the right to self-government in most of its affairs. On October 1, 2017, Catalans who support separation voted to secede from Spain. Many who opposed separation did not participate in the vote. The Spanish government declared the vote illegal and sent riot police to the region to stop it. Violence broke out between police and protestors which led to hundreds of injuries. Catalonian leaders were forced to leave Spain or face arrest. On October 1, 2018, Catalan separatists again took to the streets in protest. In 2018 according to a National Public Radio report, Catalonia’s President Quim Torra stated, “The First of October is and will always be the day the Catalan people demonstrated their immense commitment to democracy and freedom . . . A year ago, the Spanish state repressed such a basic right as the right to self-determination and also freedom of expression.” He added, “The October 1 vote is the seed of the republic." Photo of a clash between protestors and police during the Catalan independence referendum on October 1, 2017.
Mandela needs to say these things to show gratitude, unity, and determination in the struggle against apartheid, as well as to call for continued efforts towards democracy and racial harmony in South Africa.
Human Rights Violations/Oppression, power and authority, global interdependence.
Source: “‘Illegal’ Independence Referendum Turns Violent As Police and Pro-Separatists Clash,” by Amy Held, National Public Radio October 1, 2017; “Catalonia Erupts in Renewed Protests One Year After Independence Vote” by Colin Dwyer, National Public Radio, October 1, 2018. Answer the questions below based on information you can gather from the source, and your knowledge of social studies. Who (is the group of people in the article): What (is happening in the source/is the intent of the actions): Where (is this happening): When (is this happening/historical context): Why (are these actions necessary, what led up to the circumstances): Possible Enduring Issues:
1. Who: The group of people in the article are the Catalonian separatists who support the region's independence from Spain, as well as the Spanish government who opposes this separation.
2. What: The article discusses the violent clashes between Catalan separatists and Spanish police during the independence referendum on October 1, 2017, as well as the renewed protests on the same date in 2018. The intent of the actions is to push for Catalonian independence and demonstrate a commitment to democracy and freedom.
3. Where: These events are taking place in the region of Catalonia in northeastern Spain, specifically in the city of Barcelona.
4. When: The violent clashes occurred during the independence referendum on October 1, 2017, and the renewed protests took place on the same date in 2018. These actions are part of a larger historical context of Catalonia's longstanding desire for independence from Spain.
5. Why: These actions are necessary for Catalonian separatists to push for self-determination, democracy, and freedom from the Spanish government, which they believe has repressed their rights. The historical context leading up to these circumstances includes Catalonia's distinct culture and history, as well as the region's desire for autonomy and independence.
6. Possible Enduring Issues: Human Rights Violations/Oppression, power and authority, global interdependence.