‘We need another hero’: The construction of Josep Moragues as a symbol of independence for Catalonia

Crameri, K. (2011) ‘We need another hero’: The construction of Josep Moragues as a symbol of independence for Catalonia. National Identities, 13(1), pp. 51-65. (doi: 10.1080/14608944.2011.552491)

Abstract

The independence movement in Catalonia is gaining momentum. As part of this push, pro-independence groups are attempting to replace the ‘official’ national hero Rafael Casanova with Josep Moragues. Both men fought in the War of the Spanish Succession, which saw Catalonia fall to a Bourbon army and lose its historic autonomy. Although neither man was actually fighting a separatist war, this article shows that Moragues can be reinterpreted as a symbol of Catalonia's past and future statehood, whereas Casanova is associated with its current position as an Autonomous Community, and therefore represents compromise rather than a fight for Catalan sovereignty.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Crameri, Professor Kathryn
• Authors: Crameri, K.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Modern Languages and Cultures > Hispanic Studies
• Journal Name: National Identities
• ISSN: 1460-8944
• ISSN (Online): 1469-9907
• Published Online: 16 March 2011