In Australia West
Australians have been reported to have some sympathy for Catlin separatists as
distinct from those in other states. A
brief history of both regions is helpful in demonstrate similarities. In the case
of the Catalonians they no doubt rally around their countries past when Spain
was the leading powerhouse of Europe during the 16thand mostly the 17th
century. However in the latter half of the 17th century,
Spain
went into decline, surrendering territories to France and the Netherlands; with
a diminished but still vast overseas empire until the beginning of the 19th
century. The 20th century brought little peace. The Spanish Civil War broke out
in 1936, led by General Francisco Franco and supported by Nazi Germany and
Fascist Italy.
It was only after a peaceful transition to democracy following the death of the dictator Francisco FRANCO in 1975, that economic and modernization proceeded. In 1986 Spain joined the European Economic Community, which became the European Union. Some would say this move was premature since it was still recovering from her dictatorship past. The country subsequently borrowed large amounts at low rates of interest and clocked up deficits accompanied by some reckless lending. What the Catalonians say is this reckless behaviour didn’t apply to them. The end result for Spain following the GFC was to expose Spain’s fragile position and to enter a severe economic recession from 2008. The austerity measures have led to one of the highest unemployment rates in Europe.
Against this backdrop it is hardly surprising old loyalties by Catalonians boiled over in a desire to form a separate sovereign state. Catalonians claim they disproportionally contribute to the economic pie whilst receiving lower returns from the central government and were not responsible for the economic mess.
But Secessionism was also on the minds of Western Australians just after British settlement in 1829 who raised the same sort of arguments. Petitions emanating from the WA Legislative Council were presented to London in 1865 and 1869. This was granted in 1870 but maintained a Governor's veto.
1933 referendum
On 8 April 1933 a referendum on secession was held in conjunction with the State parliamentary election. The Nationalists campaigned in favour of secession while the Labor party had campaigned against breaking from the Federation. 68% of the voters voted in favour of secession, but remarkably at the same time the Nationalists were voted out of office. It was only the mining areas, populated by keen Federalists, voted against the move. Today some west Australians feel they disproportionally contribute to Australia’s wealth because of mining but get back unfairly a diminished proportion of GST. Past history indicates just how close they came to secession.
It was only after a peaceful transition to democracy following the death of the dictator Francisco FRANCO in 1975, that economic and modernization proceeded. In 1986 Spain joined the European Economic Community, which became the European Union. Some would say this move was premature since it was still recovering from her dictatorship past. The country subsequently borrowed large amounts at low rates of interest and clocked up deficits accompanied by some reckless lending. What the Catalonians say is this reckless behaviour didn’t apply to them. The end result for Spain following the GFC was to expose Spain’s fragile position and to enter a severe economic recession from 2008. The austerity measures have led to one of the highest unemployment rates in Europe.
Against this backdrop it is hardly surprising old loyalties by Catalonians boiled over in a desire to form a separate sovereign state. Catalonians claim they disproportionally contribute to the economic pie whilst receiving lower returns from the central government and were not responsible for the economic mess.
But Secessionism was also on the minds of Western Australians just after British settlement in 1829 who raised the same sort of arguments. Petitions emanating from the WA Legislative Council were presented to London in 1865 and 1869. This was granted in 1870 but maintained a Governor's veto.
On 8 April 1933 a referendum on secession was held in conjunction with the State parliamentary election. The Nationalists campaigned in favour of secession while the Labor party had campaigned against breaking from the Federation. 68% of the voters voted in favour of secession, but remarkably at the same time the Nationalists were voted out of office. It was only the mining areas, populated by keen Federalists, voted against the move. Today some west Australians feel they disproportionally contribute to Australia’s wealth because of mining but get back unfairly a diminished proportion of GST. Past history indicates just how close they came to secession.
6 comments:
Canada has a long history of dealing with the separatists in Quebec, a circumstance that, if successful, actually would destroy the integrity of the whole country as Quebec is a huge territory situated between the Maritimes and the rest of the country. If it did happen it seems very likely other parts of Canada would separate from confederation too - the Maritimes aligned with the NE US as an economic zone, for instance. Ontario would likely try to hold the rest of the country together but it would be difficult. The western provinces have long resented that province's political and economic power. Canada originally came together as a country because a railroad was built from east to west; it doesn't always seem like a very strong thread. Of course, there's always habit and the frightening aspect of that major power to the south to keep Canadians (French speaking and the rest) intent on making an effort.
All the best, Lindsay
Happy New Year
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the update and it seems to me the respective countries have so much in common don't you think.
Size, resources base, parliamentary systems and so on. Best wishes
Very interesting a post, the more together with Susan's comment.
Myself being a villager, one could think I were narrow-minded. And perhaps I am. I am convinced that 'villagerism' would be / is a(nother) dangerous 'ism'. Same goes for nationalism.
Looking around on this planet, (wo)mankind does not seem able to overcome all these 'isms'.
Hi Sean,
To some degree, one way or another, I think we all can identify an inclination towards ‘tribalism’. But,I do like the idea of small villages which potentially may be better able to look out for each other. In a very modest way initially the small entirely voluntary Malawi Support group I belong to identified supporting small ‘Communities in villages in Malawi’ was the best strategy. Visiting there in 2009, after I retired, it allowed us to specifically channel support to leaders, each with a Chairman and Secretary etc. So you have large numbers of communities divided into smaller groups of 50-100 members. The aim eventually for all to become self-sufficient. They developed their own little rental properties and resources so that they can respond to the needy and the government can assist knowing there is integrity in the system. These days the focus is more on educational scholarships and projects centrally administered by a local St Vincent’s de Paul within the meagre parish resources.
But what it taught me is the small community or village concept works well. So I think nationalism and all the dreaded isms can be countered by ‘listening’ at the grass roots and ensuring those voices of the smaller communities filter up to better governance on a national level. So simple yet so little notice is taken of it.
Best wishes
Ah, not to sound too dark, perhaps I should have added that there is at least one 'ism' I like: optimism.
As you mention your Malawi Support Group, Lindsay: Did I already tell that there does exist one in our community, too?
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Hi Sean,
Yes, indeed, a nice way to conclude our discussions.
Best wishes
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