Catalunya Barcelona: The Catalan Story of Barcelona

(1714 - 1906) Under martial law, with its language, Catalan, suspended, Barcelona rises from the shadow of the War of Spanish Succession to spearhead Spain’s industrial revolution.

(1906 - 1931) At the start of the 20th century, Barcelona experiences unprecedented growth, building more factories and inspiring a wave of immigration from within Spain.

(1936 - 1939)  The Spanish Civil War is an ideological conflict pitting fascism against democracy, but on the ground, it is brothers killing brothers, and fathers killing sons.

(1939 - 1959) On the losing side of the Spanish Civl War, Barcelona is a dark, ominous place. Famine is rampant. Jails are full. The local language and customs are outlawed.

(1960 - 1975) The dictatorship enters a 3rd decade. A numbing effect has taken hold. Barcelona and all of Spain seem frozen in time, but with Franco’s death in 1975, there is hope.

(1975 - 1980) Franco is dead, but Francoism endures. However, the populace, especially those in commercial strongholds like Barcelona, see an opportunity to pivot to democracy.

(1981 - 1999) 20 years that run the gamut. Bombings, coup attempts, and an Olympic success story that transforms Barcelona into the globally recognized city it is today.

(2000 - 2016) Barcelona has reached the world stage with gains in tourism, industry, and entertainment. Yet, a desire to exert more control over its destiny endures.

(2017 - Today) Barcelona and the Catalan region seek to hold a binding referendum on independence from Spain. The central government is adamant: the vote will never happen.