Abstract This paper looks at the ETA or the Euskadi Ta Askatasuna, a nationalist organization known as a radical and a secessionist group. The paper relates that this group has been contesting the predominant model of national autonomy within Spain since the early years of the 1960's. The paper also points out that it is helpful to remember that Basque country is located in the northern corner of the Iberian Peninsula, and the actual origins of the original Basques are unknown, although some experts believe that these people may well be the only pre-Aryan race in the world today. In addition, the paper notes that it has been suggested that the geographic location of the Basque country may have led the citizens to develop a sense of xenophobia, and an unwarranted insistence on Basque historic and ethnic distinctiveness. The paper explains, for example, that the Basque language, the Euskadi, is not related to any other known language in the world, and this makes Basques claim that this is the oldest language known in Europe. The paper also examines many other aspects of the ETA, such as its history, its role in Spain's development, its goals, origins, and organizational structure.
From the Paper The new group of Spaniards who emerged as a power during the 1930's expressed their burning desire to set up a socialist government that would give more power to working classes, and it was this group of people that formed the so called 'Popular Front', which became later known as the Republicans. Nevertheless, conservative Spaniards did feel that the Popular Friona would end up giving workers much too much power, and they tried their best to make sure that such a thing would not happen. These conservatives, also known as the Nationalists, wished to set up a very strict law and order system in Spain, and the National Basque Party opposed this. Most Basques preferred to lend their complete support to the Republicans, who desired that working classes should gain more power. Basques probably felt that if they lent support to the Republicans, they would be rewarded by obtaining some form of self government and autonomy of operation. The Nationalists, on the other hand, had made it very clear at the very outset, that they had no desire at all to share any power with ethnic groups of people in Spain. In 1936, at the time when Spain had its parliamentary elections, the National Basque Party was able to win a margin in the Basque Provinces, and this meant that thyme could now back up the Popular Front. In the meantime, General Franco, heading the Republican Party, planned, organized and staged an revolution and uprising against the ruling new Nationalist government, and there was intense fighting for power during the three year civil war that followed. (Katz, 24)"
Tags: nationalist organization, spain autonomy basques location language
Abstract This paper explores the origins of the Basque nationalist separatist organization, Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA), and the purpose of its formation. It looks at how ETA has evolved since its foundation in 1959 and investigates the changes that have taken place within the organization itself. The paper also examines ETA's motives and its methods, and what it represents in the minds of the Basque and Spanish people alike. Lastly, the paper discusses how ETA and its actions have affected the Basque Country, Spain, and the rest of the world. The paper concludes that the most significant possible affect of ETA on Basque nationalism is the maintenance of the current ceasefire, which could change the course of the Basque nationalist movement forever.
From the Paper "The struggle for an autonomous Euskadi (Basque Country) pre-dates the Franco era, with its emergence being in the 1870s. 'The incorporation of Euskadi into Spain under the hegemony of the province of Castile and the loss of the fueros led to the first manifestations of Basque nationalism.' These "fueros" were rights or privileges of the Basques, which granted them a certain amount of municipal military and fiscal autonomy. At the end of the Second Carlist War in 1876 the government abolished the "fueros" of the provinces of Guipuzcoa, Biscay and Alava as punishment for their support of the Carlist rebellion. This abolition, on top of the rapid industrialisation of the region that caused, much to the displeasure of the working-class, and influx of thousands of maketos (a derogatory term used by the nationalists to describe workers from other parts of Spain), was to mark the beginning of Basque nationalism and prompted the establishment of the PNV (Partido Nacionalista Vasco, Basque Nationalist Party) by Sabino de Arana y Goiri in 1895. The party was founded as a Catholic conservative party canvassing for the restoration of self-government. The slogan used by the PNV around the time of its establishment was "God and the Old Laws", referring to the PNV's defence of both Catholicism and of Basque autonomy through the fueros. Arana himself was an intellectual and a political theorist who left a significant legacy for the Basque people. Essentially, he wanted to return to a pre-industrialised Basque Country. It was he who promoted many of the mythologies of Basque history, while advocating a clearly exclusionist and even racist attitude towards immigrants. Aranismo is the extreme version of Basque nationalism, and it is important to remember during this discussion that the Basque nationalist movement is a multi-faceted one, with many internal disagreements. The PNV represented a compromise between the radical Aranistas and moderate nationalists, an organisation in which all nationalists could feel at home, and this was perhaps Arana's greatest legacy of all."
Abstract This paper discusses the huge industrial port of Bilbao and its history from its founding in 1300. The paper examines industrialization in the area, social reforms and its culture. The paper focuses on the Basque influences in the area. It then examines the regeneration of the villa of Bilbao in contemporary times and how the regeneration was influenced by the Basque culture.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
Basque Industrialization
From Medieval To Commercial Villa
Bilbao's Foundational Charter
Construction Of San Anton Bridge
Harbor: Key Part Of Infrastructure
Integration Opened New Trade Opportunities In Bilbao
The Demise Of Bilbao's Environment And Beauty
Religion And The Basque Culture
Consumption Patterns And Expenditures Of The Basque Social Reform In Bilbao
Heavy Industrialization Causes Problems In Bilbao
An Economic Recovery 'Of Sorts'
Modern Bilbao
Summary And Conclusion
From the Paper "Bilbao and its Basque culture has stood through times that were good and pure and through times that are difficult and dirty and even still the Basque culture of Bilbao continues to distinguish itself through the regeneration of Bilbao following what was a steep ascent into the industrial society that so tarnished the face of the Villa. Basque culture it appears will not simply fade away into the nothingness that so many other culture has disappeared into to be forgotten but instead has all intent, and it appears all strength and willpower as well as ingenuity and creativity to once again stand above that which is merely mundane or dingy."
Tags: industrialization, urbanization, growth, port
This paper discusses the history and culture of the Basque who today consider their "nation" to be located in the seven Pyrenean provinces, four in Spain and three in France.
Abstract This paper explains that, although the origins of the Basque people are unclear but possibly of Turkish, Magyar or Berber descent, the Basques may be the oldest indigenous race in Europe; their language Euskera has supposedly been traced back to Babel. The author points out that, for centuries, the region south of the Pyrenees was recognized as "una tierra apartada", a self-governing area, subject to an absolute monarchy and had its own code of laws and rights (fueros); in 1876, the Basque country was assimilated into the rest of Spain. The paper relates that the Spanish Civil War had a major impact on the Basque because the Franco regime, which exercised cultural repression over the whole nation, was particularly severe in those regions where a language other than Spanish was spoken.
From the Paper "The father of Basque nationalism, Sabino Arana, described by Mark Kurlansky as an 'unpleasant zealot', insisted that to be Basque a person's four grandparents must all have been born in the Basque country and have Euskera names - a qualification which would be much modified when the terrorist organization ETA admitted to its membership people whose families came from elsewhere in Spain. Both Arana's party and ETA were officially founded on the saint's day, 31 July, of the Basques' most famous son, Ignatius Loyola. (The first Basque underground movement in the 1950s, formed by a handful of Guipuzcoans, initially called itself by the acronym ATA, unaware that in the dialect of the neighbouring province, Viscaya, ata means 'duck'.) "
Abstract This paper researches radical Basque nationalism with reference to the film "Yoyes" which is a Spanish political drama based on the life and death of real-life terrorist and member of the ETA, Dolores Gonzalez. The subject is discussed through the prism of the film in highlighting the relevant issues within this topic.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction: What Constitutes Nationalism?
Basque Identity - Brief History & Emergence
Factors Leading to the Development of Basque Nationalism & the ETA
Motives and Methods of the ETA
Summary & Conclusion
From the Paper "Martinez-Herrera (2002) holds that it is necessary that the ETA's origin and persistence be viewed along with the exchanges of the group with the "broader environment" (Martinez-Herrera, 2002) because in the case of the Basque: "...it is possible to consider a system of concentric circles." (Martinez-Herrera, 2002) In the very center of the ETA are the terrorist organizations however, "in a broader circle, there is a network of interconnected support organizations, including political parties, trade unions, associations, mass media, even firms..." including those who vote for the Basque parties. It is the external of these that "corresponds to those who share ideas of rejection toward Spain, independence for the Basque country."
Abstract This paper explains that Euskera was once spoken in Aragon and West Catalonia as far back as the 7th century and, in the 9th and 10th centuries, through mass migration, it reached south of Alava. The author points out that the decline of this language was partly due to decisions made concerning the supremacy of Spanish during the Bourbon period of the 18th Century, which stigmatized Euskera as being only suitable for farmers and peasants whereas Spanish was used exclusively in education and instruction. The paper concludes that Euskera, the Basque language, is almost without monolingual speakers but whether it is doomed extinction is debatable. The paper includes some long quotations.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
An Historical Overlook of Euskera
Spanish and French Attitudes Concerning the Basque Language
Protecting Euskera
Conclusion
From the Paper "Industrialization also played its part during the 19th century. The need for workers resulted in mass immigration and saw the arrival of so many monolingual Spanish speakers that their numbers far outweighed those of the Basque speakers. The fact that the Spanish speakers moved into several areas where the language had already been lost and the fact that the Franco government prohibited the use of Euskera, both helped to ensured that the language would become endangered."
A look at how, since the late 1960s, militant Basque nationalists have used terrorism in an attempt to gain independence and how Spain has responded with police crack-downs and repression.
2,280 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 7 sources, 2000, $ 70.95
From the Paper "Basque issue it inherited from Franco's dictatorship. The conflict has two basic issues. Historically, the Basques are not linked with the Spaniards. The Basques have a separate identity, demonstrated by a different culture and an entirely different language. The other issue is violence. Since the late 1960s, militant Basque nationalists have used terrorism in an attempt to gain independence. Spain has responded with police crack-downs and repression. However, the problem goes further. Issues of civil rights and the ability of the state to use force against its citizens have all been affected by the Basque conflict. These issues affect all Spanish citizens, but they have arisen from the regional conflict in the Basque country."
Tags:basque, batasuna, eta, herri, nationalism, pnv, separatism, spain
This paper provides a comprehensive look at the realities of the Basque struggle and the way that it is perceived according to international media groups.
6,145 words (approx. 24.6 pages), 18 sources, 2000, $ 144.95
From the Paper "The Basque nationalist movement is rapidly rising to the top ranks of separatist movements in Europe. However, it is one of the least understood among them. With the peace process in Northern Ireland slowly but steadily taking hold and the situation in the former Yugoslavia shakily maintaining the appearance of being under control, a vacuum has been created for the study of another European nationalism. In conjunction with this vacuum, the most brutal offensive by the Basque terrorist group ETA -Basque Homeland and Liberty- since 1992 has brought the Basque question into the spotlight. While most media sources report on only the current violence conducted by extremists, this paper will explore the various faces of Basque nationalism throughout its history."
Tags: batasuna, carlists, eta, franco, herri, pnv, spain, basque, nationalism
Abstract This paper reviews the book "Spain in Decline: 1621-1700," by Reginald Trevor Davies that outlines three factors for the decline of Imperial Spain: Economic and financial debilities, a military decline and a decline of patriotic and religious feelings. The paper describes the revolution in the Basque Provinces. The author states that this book of history reads like a novel.
From the Paper "These revolts helped in Spain's decline by weakening the government's position and creating unrest in the people, so they did not trust or follow government reforms meant to strengthen the country. Too many people wanted autonomy from Spain's government, and this division left the remainder of Spain weak and unprepared for further problems, inside or outside the country. Clearly, this was an important juncture for Spain; and had they handled it with more aplomb, they might have avoided some of the unrest and division that separated the country, and helped lead to its decline in world exploration and domination."
Abstract Discusses the Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) as both a revolutionary and evolutionary group. Various perspectives of ETA as a terrorist organization or freedom fighters seeking independence from Spain's control. Politics, tactics & long-term goal of establishing a Basque homeland. ETA use of negotiation as well as violence. Origin of group.
From the Paper "Assessment of the Basque group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) depends on one's political perspective. From the point of view of the group itself and its supporters, the ETA is comprised of freedom fighters, revolutionaries seeking liberty and independence from Spain's control. From the perspective of the Spanish government, the ETA is a terrorist organization willing to use whatever means are necessary to achieve its radical political goals. Such opponents of the ETA hold that the group is violent and will remain violent even when it vows to give up its violence. To other, less extreme Basque liberation organizations, the ETA is justifiable in its ultimate goals of independence, but counter-productive in its violent tactics and strategy.
The reality is that all of these perspectives are correct to some degree, and the reason for this is that the ETA is an..."
From the Paper "Present day Basques come to the attention of most of the world in relation to nationalistic and terrorist activities seeking independence from Spain (Ben-Ami, 1991, p. 493). The Basque homeland, however, straddles the international border between Spain and France (Clark, 1990, p. 93). Approximately 18,000 square kilometers of the Basque homeland is within the borders of Spain, while the remaining 3,000 (approximate) kilometers lie in France. Of the approximately three million residents of the Basque homeland, approximately 2.7 million reside in Spain, while the remaining 300,000 (approximate) reside in France. The Basques in France, however, have not actively ..."
Separatist-nationalist: Palestine Liberation Organization, Irish Republican Army, Basque Homeland. Provides a definition and looks at their theory, motivation and strategies.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 5 sources, 1990, $ 79.95
From the Paper "Terrorism is nearly as problematic to define as it is to predict and control. Like obscenity, many people are convinced that they know it when they see it, but when pressed for a specific definition, few can provide one. This is partly due to the fact that terrorism, its practitioners, characteristics, and tactics, are diverse and constantly evolving. Also, the terrorist and his victim are unlikely to agree on what constitutes terrorism.
Be that as it may, one of the most comprehensive and widely used definitions of terrorism was formulated by George Bush's 1986 Vice Presidential Task Force on combating terrorism. It states that terrorism is, "The unlawful use or threat of violence against persons or property to further political or social objectives. It is usually intended to intimidate or coerce a.."
Abstract This paper studies the democratic experiences in Spain and Italy as compared to other democracies. Through a comparison of the two countries, it attempts to evaluate whether or not a distinct South European model of democracy can be established. It also deals with the problems of corruption and state subversion and the regional differences within the countries and the challenge of terrorism both countries had to endure.
From the Paper "The transformation of Southern Europe in the second half of the Twentieth Century has been one of the most interesting and positive process of democratisation of its time. Though it did not occur at the same time in both countries, the experiences of Spain and Italy are remarkable as examples of transition from authoritarian regimes to democracies. During the early 20th Century, one of the main political questions concerning Europe was why its Southern part and especially Italy and Spain were lagging behind its Northern neighbours in terms of political stability and economical development."
Tags:basque, corruption, francoism, mafia, mezzogiorno, modernisation, party
Abstract This paper argues that the logic of a democratisation based on the notion of 'ruptura pactada' (rupture based on mutual agreements) has enabled the Spanish government to address peacefully the issues of the form of government, the place of religion and the question of historic nationalism, by making concessions to satisfy the whole Spanish political class. It looks at how nevertheless, this consensual solution has been revealing its high fragility since Spain's 'second' debut as a democracy, in particular in the domain of autonomous and independence aspirations among Spanish regions. It discusses to what extent the logic of 'ruptura pactada' can be considered as to have inherent weaknesses which would undermine a peaceful democratic consolidation in Spain.
Outline:
The Making of Spain's Transition to Democracy Under the Principle of 'Policy of Consensus' or Also Called 'Ruptura Pactada'
The Drafting of the 1978 Constitution: The Application of the Principle of 'Ruptura Pactada' In Political Negotiations
The Fragility of the Consensus: The Emergence of Strong Contestations
Conclusion
From the Paper "Juan Antonio Ortega Diaz-Ambrona insists on that, in the perspective of Franco's imminent death, the National Movement (the Francoist political platform of the dictatorship), was extremely divided as for the way Spanish politics should be managed in the future. Indeed, the Francoist political elite was divided between the inmovilistas (the "fixed ones") who advocated the "continuity", which means that the Francoist political regime, as defined by the "Fundamental principles" (Principios Fundamentales) established in 1958, should continue after Franco's death, and the aperturistas (the "open ones") who favoured a direction towards a more liberalised and democratic regime (ORTEGA DIAZ-AMBRONA, 1984: 21-22). Carlos Arias Navarro replaced Carrero Blanco at the head of the government but the Francoist government faced serious difficulties to get unanimous support for a new law of political associations in February 1974. "
Abstract This paper defines terrorists as people who use violence for the purpose of spreading fear rather than for the physical results of their actions to draw attention to things they perceive as wrongs that must be righted by society. It points out that two main causes of conflict in the Middle East are the conflicts between Israel and Palestinians and the conflicts between fundamentalist religious groups and more moderate religious groups. It also discusses how it is impossible to predict the effect of capturing Osama Bin Laden because, although his capture would be a tremendous morale boost, his followers are fanatical and the capture of their great leader might trigger a new wave of violence.
Outline
Secular vs. Religious Terrorists
Using the IRA , Ways Terrorists Groups Finance Their Operations
Two Main Sources of Conflict in the Middle East
Capturing Osama Bin Laden: Good or Bad? Dead or Alive?
From the Paper "The Irish Republican Army, or IRA, has used a variety of ways to fund their operations. In one example December of last year, both the British and Northern Ireland governments believe that the IRA was behind a bank robbery described as "spectacular" in the media. In this bank robbery, thirty-eight Euros were stolen. That's nearly $50 million in American dollars. The British government says that the IRA made multiple attempts to launder the money using Mafia-like approaches, such as filtering the money through legitimate businesses. In the huge manhunt that followed the bank robbery, the Irish police seized over 3.5 million Euros, including the equivalent of 2.3 million pounds, all in cash, found with one businessman in Cork, Ireland, in February of this year. This arrest shows the ties to businesses for laundering purposes."
Tags: al-qaeda, basque, drug-trafficking, fear, islam, ira
