Basque Region Tanner, Steven, Mason, Dan

About the Conflict It was an armed and political conflict between Spain, France, and the Basque National Liberation Movement. A political group of organizations that sought independence from Spain and France. Armed conflicts between Spanish state, France and the Basque National Liberation Movement. Its participants include politicians and political activists on both sides. The Abertzale left (Nationalists) and the Spanish government, and the security forces of Spain and France fighting against ETA and other small organizations.

Basque National Liberation Movement and the ETA “Euskadi Ta Askatasuna” Terrorist organization of the Basque Conflict- committed assassinations of Basque government officials All social, political, and armed organizations involved with the ideals and goals of the ETA

Economic Effects of Barriers Independence on the coastal plains Trade Limits revenue from exports

Cultural Effects of Barriers Deep-Rooted system of beliefs Influences from Spain and France Diverse culture

Social Effects of Barriers 762 imprisoned by Spanish and French law enforcement for connection to the Basque National Liberation Movement Convicted of: terrorist activities, belonging to ETA or similar organizations, or showing support of those organizations Hurt Basque nationalism Thousands call for release (amnesty)

Strategic (Military) Importance Basque Region would be a transition zone between Spain and France Future conflicts and resolutions Claim secession from Spain and France Political reunification of its territory

Government Impact Basques have no official state, but their political ideology lead to disparity with the governments of Spain and France

Demographic Impact Basque identity is weakened Less than 57% of people in Basque country now identify themselves as Basque Basques in Canada, as well as 400,000 American- Basques

Historical Importance The Basques are an indigenous ethno-linguistic group mainly inhabiting adjacent areas of Spain and France. Their history is therefore interconnected with Spanish and French history of many other past and present countries. Particularly in Europe and the America’s where a large number of their descendendants keep attached to their roots clustering around Basque clubs.

Valuable Natural Resources Coastal Plains provide fertile soil for farming. The Basque region is covered with orchards and other gardens. The land is also rich in Iron and coal.

Economic Importance Well-developed industrial economy Abundance of Iron ore. Used in industry. Bilbao Land provides all necessary raw materials

Culture Political divisions are between nationalists and non-nationalists (pro- spanish) Basques. There is great diversity with regard to Basque descent. The social class, the language that is spoken by 25%-30% of the region's population, and their participations in folklore. Spanish and French policies restricted the languages use, but has not stopped the teaching, speaking, writing or learning of the language. They have close attachments to their homelands. The society is somewhat at odds with Roman and later European societies.

Boundaries The ETA was defeated by the Spanish and French law enforcement officers. The Basque Region was to remain as a part of Spain and France and to not become independent. The region is recognized as an autonomous community by Spain, kind of like an informal province.

Economic Impact of Conflict Spain’s economy has dropped, including that of the Basque Region. GDP and the stock market plummet during conflict. However, the Basque region has maintained a healthy economy due to the available resources and thriving industry.

Population Impact Net-out migration from areas of tension and fighting between the ETA and the national government. Civilians often went to nearby areas of Spain and France or other parts of the Basque Region, but some emigrated to the Americas, other parts of Europe, and Asia.

Important Info: 1.Straddles French-Spanish border 2.Basques also live in Quebec 3.Have their own language 4.Europe’s earliest whalers 5.Started as Spanish colony 6.3 million Basques worldwide 7.Highest # of blood and organ donors per capita 8.Known as “Eukadi” 9.Language has 7 dialects different beaches

Works Cited Basque Peace Process. Origins of the Basque Conflict. Retrieved from Kern, Robert. Basque Country. Retrieved from Rodriguez, Vicente (2015,Oct 8). Basque Country. Retrieved from country-region-spainwww.britannica.com/place/basque- country-region-spain Whitfield, Teresa (Dec 2015). The Basque Conflict and ETA. Retrieved from