The crisis of traditionalism

With the abolition of the fueros, the Diputaciones Forales (chartered authorities) were dissolved in 1877 for disobeying government authorities.  The demise of the fueros created a general sense of injustice, given that broad sectors of  liberalism supported an extensive fuero regime. Under pressure from the Basque bourgeoisie, the Madrid Government opted for a flexible formula to bring them into the general tax system: the Economic Accords, which allowed tax raising to remain in the hands of the Diputaciones in exchange for a negotiable quota.  This did not satisfy those who backed the fueros, who continue to oppose it. For example, the refusal of a faction leader to interfere with the Gernika tree of Iparraguirre led to several days of protests and two deaths.

On the other hand, there was little social conflict, in contrast to Vizcaya, thanks to the characteristics of Gipuzkoa’s industrialization: sectoral diversification, geographical spread, modest investments and small concentrations of the working class. 

“Don Carlos of Borbon swears to uphold the Fueros in Gernica: 3rd of July 1875” “Jose Maria Iparraguirre : popular singer, author of Zortzico Guernicaco arbola” (Bringas) "If the famous tree of Guernica produces this fruit, let’s try to ensure that it doesn’t bloom again”

 Meanwhile, the crisis in traditionalism came to a head in 1888 with a split in the Carlist party and the beginning of the Fundamentalism, an ultra-Catholic movement. However, the most important political development at the end of the century was the birth of Basque nationalism, heir to the fuero movement, and backed by the renaissance of Basque culture which brought together traditionalism’s discontents. 

"View of the church where the oath was sworn and the tree of Guernica" (Eriz 1880) Don Carlos crosses the frontier into France amidst cheers and applause" 1876. (J. Passos) Sabino Arana