Carlism, a political and cultural movement that emerged in Spain in the 19th century, still resonates in modern Spain. However, not many students, even in Spain, are familiar with this movement. It is important to teach students about Carlism as it sheds light on Spanish history and culture.
Carlism is a political ideology that emerged during the Spanish War of Independence, around 1808. It took its name from Carlos María Isidro de Borbón, the brother of Spain’s King Ferdinand VII. Carlos claimed the throne of Spain after Ferdinand VII abolished the Salic law, which stated that only males could inherit the throne. He believed that he was the rightful heir to the throne, and his supporters, who were mainly from the Basque Country, Navarre and Castilla y León, became known as Carlists.
The Carlists were against liberalism, which they believed threatened traditional Spanish values. They also opposed the centralization of power and the separation of church and state. They saw themselves as defenders of the Spanish monarchy, the Catholic faith, and the regionalism of Spain.
In the 19th century, there were several Carlist Wars between the Carlists and the Spanish government. The most significant one was the Third Carlist War (1872-1876), which led to the fall of the Carlist movement and the establishment of the Spanish Republic in 1873.
Teaching students about Carlism can be challenging as it involves several historical and cultural aspects. It is crucial to start by explaining the context in which the movement emerged. This includes discussing the political and social situation in Spain during the 19th century, which was marked by political instability, economic crisis, and two Carlist Wars.
Students can be introduced to Carlism through literature and art. Writers such as Pío Baroja, Antonio Machado, and Azorín, wrote about the Carlist Wars and their impact on Spanish society. Artistic movements such as the Basque School and the Navarrese School were also influenced by Carlism. Artists such as Ignacio Zuloaga and Joaquín Sorolla painted scenes from the Carlist Wars, which can be used to illustrate the significance of the movement.
Teaching students about Carlism can also involve discussing its legacy in modern Spain. The Carlist movement influenced the development of Spanish conservatism, and its regionalist and catholic values are still present in some parts of Spain. The Navarrese and Basque parliaments have included representatives from Carlist parties, and there are still some Carlist groups in Spain today.
In conclusion, teaching students about Carlism is essential to understand Spanish history and culture. It offers an opportunity to analyze the political and social context of the 19th century, to introduce students to art and literature, and to discuss the legacy of the movement in modern Spain. By learning about Carlism, students can have a better understanding of Spain’s political and cultural diversity.
