WAR OF THE MATINERS

Many authors consider the War of the Matiners as the Second Carlist War, even if it was geographically limited to the territory of Catalonia. However, it should be correctly considered as War of the Matiners, given the absence of a Carlist King and organised administrative structures.

The failure of the negotiations to facilitate the marriage of the pretender Carlos Luis and Isabella II led to armed conflict. The political scenario in Spain was also favourable to take up arms, particularly in Catalonia, where many military units were still active and there was a considerable social unrest. The conflict started in 1846 and in 1847 was intensified under the command of the general Tristany.

In 1848 Cabrera provided renewed impetus to the insurgency and increased its forces but did not succeed in transferring the war focal points to the Maestrazgo. This, combined with the frustrated entrance of the King in Spain, led to the end of the war. In 1849 Tristany fled to France and with him a new wave of refugees.