After Franco’s death in 1975, Catalonia regained much of its freedom, and four years later it became an autonomous region of Spain with its own parliament, government, flag and anthem.

Catalan parliament meets and unilaterally declares independence by 70 votes to 10, in a vote boycotted by the opposition. Later that day, Spain’s senate approves new powers for the Madrid government to impose direct rule on Catalonia by 214 votes to 47.

In a febrile atmosphere the separatist majority in the Catalan parliament declared independence on 27 October. Using the Article 155 emergency powers, Madrid dissolved parliament, sacked its leaders and called a snap election for 21 December. Separatists won a slim majority.

19th Century - Emergence of a renewed sense of Catalan identity. 1931 - When Spain becomes a republic, Catalonia is given broad autonomy. 1936-39 - Spanish Civil War: Catalonia is a key Republican stronghold, and the fall of Barcelona to Gen Francisco Franco's right-wing forces in 1939 marks the beginning of the end of republican resistance.