Catalan nationalism has been stirred by Spain's economic crisis.

Economic and cultural grievances have fuelled Catalan nationalism.

Following Spain's transition to democracy in the 1970s, Catalan nationalism was marked by moderation, caution and gradual progress.

While Catalan nationalism has flourished, support for outright independence was not widespread in the decades after Franco's death.

When Franco died, Catalan nationalism was revived and eventually the northeastern region was granted autonomy again, under the 1978 constitution.