The Vision of History: A Key Day
On October 14, 1705, in the first light of the morning, the watchmen of Barcelona’s defensive towers made a crucial discovery. A large naval fleet, of more than one hundred and fifty ships, was heading towards the Catalan coast. This event, documented in the Dietari de la Generalitat, was a sign of change at a time marked by political and military tension.
A Context of Conflict: The Struggle between Bourbons and Austrianists
At the time, the city was under the control of a minority Bourbon government that had imprisoned and persecuted its Austrian opponents. The presence of the naval flock was seen as a direct threat, reflecting the deep divisions that existed between the supporters of the two factions.
The Genoa Pact: A Strategic Alliance
The arrival of the allied fleet was not accidental; it was related to the Pact of Genoa, signed shortly before, on June 20, 1705. This alliance between the English representative Mitford Crowe and the Catalan Austrian leaders promised military support to free Catalonia from Bourbon rule.
Landing and Rebellion: The Beginning of a New Chapter
Shortly after the warning of the flock, the Austrian forces landed in Montgat and Badalona, marking the beginning of a campaign to recover Barcelona. With an initial army of 2,000 soldiers, joined by Anglo-Dutch troops, they began the siege of the city on September 14, 1705.
The Popular Revolt: An Unexpected Turn
The situation culminated on October 9, 1705, when the population of Barcelona, driven by an anonymous leader called Jerónima Peiró, rose up against the Bourbon authorities. This rebellion was a decisive moment, since it allowed the entry of Austrian forces into the city.
A Final Pact: The Departure of the Bourbon Viceroy
The Bourbon viceroy, Francisco Antonio Fernández de Velasco y Tovar, accepted an agreement to preserve his life and that of his collaborators. This pact included the handing over of important documents and the ability to leave the city undisturbed, thus marking the end of an era of Bourbon control.
Reflections on a Troubled Past
The event 319 years ago today not only meant a change in Catalan politics, but was also a testimony to the power of popular union in the face of oppression. The legacy of those weeks in 1705 continues to resonate in the collective memory and reminds us of the importance of the fight for freedom.
