Carlism

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This article is about the main historical branch of Carlism. For the socialist and progressive branch, see Euskadi Carlism.

"Power comes from God, and the government of men can only imitate divine authority, because all power that does not descend from God is illegitimate."

"All greatness, all power, all subordination rests on the throne, and the throne on the cross."

Carlism (also refered as Traditional Carlism, Orthodox Carlism, or Sixto Enrique Carlism) is an Authoritarian Right political and cultural movement in Spain that emerged in the early 19th century as a response to the succession dispute following the death of King Ferdinand VII. The movement sought to place his brother Don Carlos, Count of Molina, on the Spanish throne, representing an alternative branch of the Bourbon dynasty. Rooted in traditionalist and legitimist principles, Carlism rejected the liberal and progressive ideas gaining traction in Spain at the time, particularly those threatening the influence of the Catholic Church and the monarchy's divine right. Carlism stood in stark opposition to the Cristinos, the faction that supported Ferdinand VII’s daughter, Isabella II, as the rightful heir. The movement's followers, known as Carlists, strongly believed in the preservation of Spain’s deeply Catholic values and the integration of the clergy into governmental power. Over the years, Carlism splitted and branched off, but its core traditional ideals— monarchism, traditional Catholicism, and a rejection of liberal progressivism—have remained largely consistent on the main factions of the movement. Despite experiencing various shifts and transformations throughout its history, Carlism has managed to preserve its foundational goals and principles, continuing to exert influence at a small scale, especially in the more conservative and rural areas of Spain.

Foundations and Beliefs

Carlism is, in essence, an ideological reaction to the transformative forces of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution of 1789. It strongly opposes the core principles that emerged from these movements— Laicism, Individualism, Egalitarianism, and Rationalism—which challenged the established social and political orders across Europe. Carlism shares common ground with other conservative and counter-revolutionary movements, such as French Legitimism and the political thought of Joseph de Maistre, who advocated for a return to the moral authority of tradition, religion, and the monarch. Carlism viewed the French Revolution as a catastrophic event that uprooted society's natural and divine foundations, particularly in its assault on the Catholic Church, monarchy, and traditional community structures. As a result, Carlism sought to preserve what it considered the rightful order of society, grounded in faith, loyalty to tradition, and regional autonomy. Its foundational motto—Dios, Patria, Fueros, Rey (translated to "God, Fatherland, Local Rule, King")—encapsulates its core tenets, each representing a vital aspect of its political and spiritual vision for Spain.

Dios (God)

“The state should not be indifferent to religion.”

At the heart of Carlism lies a profound commitment to the Catholic faith, which is viewed not merely as a personal belief system but as the essential foundation of Spanish identity, morality, and social cohesion. This belief is steeped in the understanding that the Church plays a critical role in guiding both the spiritual and political life of the nation. For Carlists, the protection and promotion of the Catholic faith are paramount, and any secularization or encroachment on religious life is seen as a direct attack on the fabric of Spanish society.

Carlism’s theological perspective posits that the Church must be intimately involved in state affairs, ensuring that governance aligns with divine law. This connection between religion and politics is based on the belief that moral and ethical guidance should stem from Catholic doctrine. Carlism asserts that without a moral compass provided by the Church, society risks falling into chaos, immorality, and relativism. In this framework, laws and government policies must reflect the teachings of the Church, thereby reaffirming the Catholic Church’s authority over all aspects of public life.

Carlism also recognizes a spiritual mission for Spain, which is to uphold and propagate Catholic values both within its borders and beyond. This mission frames the relationship between faith and identity, where the preservation of Catholicism is viewed as crucial for the nation's survival. The movement sees itself as a bulwark against the secularism and moral relativism that emerged during the Enlightenment, positioning itself as a defender of traditional values, community, and faith. By rallying around the principle of Dios, Carlism aims to foster a collective sense of purpose and identity rooted in a shared religious heritage.

Patria (Fatherland)

"The safety of the people shall be the highest law, for the Fatherland is the ultimate bond of human society."

The concept of Patria in Carlism is multifaceted and deeply intertwined with the movement's vision of a traditionally structured society. Unlike modern nationalism, which often emphasizes centralized authority and uniformity, Carlism views the Fatherland as an organic entity composed of diverse, historically defined communities. These communities include municipalities and regions, each with its unique customs, traditions, and identities. Carlism celebrates this diversity as a strength rather than a weakness, advocating for a form of patriotism that respects and preserves the particularities of each local culture.

Carlism posits that the Fatherland is a collective of interrelated communities united by shared values and historical ties rather than by an abstract notion of a nation-state. This organic conception of the Fatherland stands in stark contrast to the Enlightenment's ideals, which often sought to promote a singular national identity at the expense of regional differences. For Carlists, true patriotism involves a commitment to both local communities and the broader nation, emphasizing a sense of belonging that is rooted in tradition and history.

In this traditionalist framework, loyalty to the Fatherland is expressed through a respect for local governance and a commitment to preserving the fueros—the historical rights and privileges of regions. Carlism rejects the idea that patriotism should be equated with blind allegiance to the state or its leaders, advocating instead for a nuanced understanding of national identity that recognizes the contributions of various communities. The movement envisions a Spain where regional identities are celebrated and integrated into a cohesive national identity, promoting unity without sacrificing diversity. This approach is seen as essential to the maintenance of social harmony and the safeguarding of cultural heritage.

Fueros (Local Rule)

“Local government is the most effective way of ensuring that the voice of the people is heard.”

The principle of fueros, or local charters, is a cornerstone of the Carlist political philosophy and reflects a deep commitment to regional autonomy and self-governance. Carlism advocates for a decentralized political structure where power is distributed among various local and regional communities, each with its unique traditions and legal frameworks. The fueros are seen as vital instruments for protecting these local identities and ensuring that governance is responsive to the specific needs and rights of diverse communities.

In the Carlist view, the fueros are not merely legal documents but expressions of historical rights that have evolved over centuries. They encapsulate the organic relationship between local communities and their governance, promoting a sense of identity and belonging that is rooted in tradition. By recognizing and institutionalizing local customs and privileges, the fueros serve as a counterbalance to the centralizing tendencies of modern states, which often seek to impose uniformity at the expense of regional diversity.

Carlism’s commitment to local rule aligns with its broader philosophy of Subsidiarity, which holds that governance should occur at the most local level possible. This principle asserts that decisions affecting communities should be made by those who are most closely connected to the issues at hand, allowing for greater participation and representation. By empowering local authorities and respecting the fueros, Carlism aims to cultivate a political culture where citizens have a meaningful voice in their governance, fostering a sense of responsibility and community engagement. Moreover, the fueros highlight the importance of intermediate institutions, particularly the Church, in shaping the social and political landscape. These institutions are seen as essential to maintaining a balanced and just society, providing a framework for cooperation and mutual support among various groups. In this way, Carlism’s emphasis on fueros serves as a safeguard against tyranny and centralization, ensuring that power remains decentralized and that the unique identities of Spain's regions are preserved.

Rey (King)

"The King, when bound by faith and tradition, stands as a mediator between divine law and the earthly realm, preserving justice and continuity."

In Carlism, the monarchy occupies a central role as a symbol of unity, tradition, and moral authority. The Carlist conception of kingship is rooted in the belief that sovereignty derives not from the people but from God, with the monarch serving as a divinely appointed steward of the nation. This understanding of kingship emphasizes that the legitimacy of a ruler must be grounded in both hereditary succession and virtuous governance. For Carlists, a legitimate king must not only belong to the royal lineage but must also embody the values of justice, piety, and service to the people.

Carlism rejects modern democratic concepts of popular sovereignty and elected leadership, positing instead that a king’s authority is divinely sanctioned and should be exercised with responsibility and moral integrity. This perspective creates a distinctive political structure where the monarch acts as the defender of the realm and its people, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized. The king is expected to safeguard justice, promote the common good, and uphold the values of the Catholic Church, serving as both a political leader and a moral guide.

Moreover, Carlism asserts that the king's power must be limited and balanced by traditional laws, the doctrines of the Church, and the established fueros that protect the rights and autonomy of local communities. This notion of limited monarchy stands in opposition to the idea of an absolute ruler, emphasizing that the king must govern in accordance with established customs and community values. The role of the monarchy, therefore, is not to impose arbitrary rule but to foster a sense of communal responsibility and social order. By embracing this model of kingship, Carlism aims to cultivate a political culture that respects both authority and the collective rights of the people, ensuring that the monarch acts as a guardian of the nation’s moral and cultural heritage.

Carlos María Isidro de Borbón y Borbón-Parma (also known as Don Carlos), first Carlist claimant to the Spanish throne.
Coat of Arms used by the supporters of the Carlist Claimants to the Spanish Throne (adopted c.1942).
Sixto Enrique de Borbón-Parma, actual Carlist claimant for the Traditionalist branch.

History

Carlism emerged in 1833 as a reactionary movement opposing the Cristinos—a reformist, royalist faction that supported the claim of Isabel II to the throne over her uncle, Don Carlos. Rooted in a counter-revolutionary ideology, Carlism rejected the Enlightenment Thought, along with Jacobinism, Laicism, Egalitarianism, and most of their offspring. The movement’s origins trace back to the First Carlist War (1833–1839), which sought to establish Carlos V as king. Despite the failure of this war, Carlism persisted, sparking uprisings in Catalonia and, on a smaller scale, in Galicia, sometimes referred to as the Second Carlist War (1847–1849), with the aim of installing Carlos VI, son of Carlos V, as monarch. During the period between these two wars, the Affair of the Spanish Marriages (1846), involving diplomatic intrigues between France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, took place concerning the marriages of Isabel II and her sister, Infanta Luisa Fernanda. After successive failed wars and uprisings, Spain underwent a progressive revolution, "La Gloriosa," which forced Isabel II into exile. During this period, Carlism, now led by Carlos VII, became a significant political opposition supported by conservative Catholics. This culminated in the Third Carlist War (1872–1876), another unsuccessful attempt to seize power.

Following the end of the Third Carlist War, Carlism lost some of its political clout. A faction led by Alejandro Pidal left the movement, forming a moderate Catholic party that merged with the conservatives of Antonio Cánovas del Castillo. Nonetheless, Carlism remained involved in militant actions, continuing its opposition to Liberalism. Cándido Nocedal helped reorganize the movement, leveraging the press for support. However, Pope Leo XIII's call for moderation in his encyclical Cum Multa led to internal divisions, and Carlos VII expelled Ramón Nocedal, son of Cándido, resulting in the formation of the Integralist Party. Meanwhile, Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa, known as the Marquis of Cerralbo, built Carlism into a modern mass party organized around local clubs (Círculos), opposing the political framework of the Spanish Restoration. The movement even allied with regionalists and republicans in 1907. Juan Vázquez de Mella emerged as the key parliamentary leader and ideologue from 1893 to 1918, along with Víctor Pradera, exerting considerable influence on traditionalist thought. However, internal crises, including the pretender Jaime III's ties to the Russian Imperial Family and isolation from Spanish politics, led to the departure of Vázquez de Mella and his followers, known as Mellists.

In the early 20th century, Carlism fostered the creation of the Sindicatos Libres Catholic labor unions aimed at countering the influence of leftist trade unions. Under the dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera, Carlism maintained ambiguous stances but revived its activism following the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931. Carlism aligned with the Basque Nationalist Party and the Coalición Católico Fuerista in its core areas, such as the Basque Country. The movement was radicalized during the 1930s, especially after the death of Jaime III, when Alfonso Carlos, at 82 years old, assumed leadership and united factions, including Integralists and Mellists. Carlism took on a more militant tone under the leadership of Alfonso Carlos. The Comunión Tradicionalista of 1932 was staunchly ultra-Catholic, anti-secular, and even anti-Semitic. In Navarra, the movement organized paramilitary groups, known as the Requeté, with the aim of overthrowing the Republic. By 1936, Carlism was ready for direct action, and with the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in July, Carlist forces collaborated with General Mola and the far-right Falangists despite internal opposition to the alliance. Navarra became a base of operations for the Nationalist campaign against Republican forces in northern Spain.

After the Civil War, Carlists found themselves in a difficult position under Francisco Franco's regime. Although Franco acknowledged Carlist noble titles, the movement was marginalized, and succession disputes plagued its leadership. The movement’s influence continued to decline, even though factions persisted in opposition to Francoism. In 1968, tensions erupted at the Montejurra pilgrimages, an annual event held at a Carlist symbolic mountain. During this pilgrimage, internal disputes escalated between supporters of the traditionalist branch led by Sixto Enrique and the more progressive faction headed by Carlos Hugo (Sixto Enrique's older brother). In 1971, Carlos Hugo refounded the Carlist Party with a new vision in favor of Confederalism and socialist self-management, a far cry from what the majority of veterans from the Civil War and other traditionalists considered true Carlist ideals. These divisions continued to worsen until 1976, when violence broke out during the events of Montejurra. On May 9 of that year, a violent clash occurred between armed militants from both Carlist factions, supported by neo-fascist elements close to Franco's regime. Two supporters of the Carlos Hugo faction were killed, an event later known as the Montejurra killings. The perpetrators were never fully brought to justice, as state security forces were believed to have turned a blind eye or even assisted the far-right factions, deepening the fracture within Carlism.

Following Franco's death, Carlism’s popularity plummeted, as demonstrated in the elections of 1977 and 1979, where it garnered minimal electoral support. By 2002, Carlos Hugo donated the movement’s archives to the Archivo Histórico Nacional, an act protested by various Carlist factions. Today, Carlism remains fragmented, with internal disputes and competing factions, its once prominent role in Spanish politics reduced to a historical footnote.

Personality

  • He has a pretty grim demeanor, hardly ever showing joy, carrying the weight of all past wars and failures on his shoulders.
  • Burning hatred against the Enlightenment's ideas and Liberals, seeing both of them as a threat to traditional values.
  • Goes to Mass about three times a day, making sure to keep his faith front and center.
  • Itching for a Fifth Carlist War and not afraid to talk about taking up arms if it comes to that.
  • Views the modern Carlist Party as a bunch of traitors and sell-outs for cozying up to Socialism and Democracy.
  • Loves sharing tales of past Carlist heroes, framing their battles as epic struggles against tyranny and modernity.
  • Tends to keep to himself, viewing modern society as morally corrupt, often seen praying a rosary.

Stylistic Notes

Easily provoked, can be seen holding an old rifle and/or a rosary. Usually speaks very heavy Spanish or a regional language, such as Basque, Catalan, or Galician.

How to Draw

Flag of Carlism

Possibly quite difficult:

  1. Draw a ball.
  2. Draw the Burgundian cross.
  3. Draw the eyes.
  4. (Optional) Draw a red 'boina' or 'chapela', and add a golden ribbon.
  5. And you're done.
Color NameHEXRGB
 White#FFFFFFrgb(255, 255, 255)
 Red#DA1013rgb(218, 16, 19)
 Red#9A0000rgb(154, 0, 0)
 Gold#D4B200rgb(212, 178, 0)


Relationships

Defensores de la tradición

Ni bien ni mal

  • Conservadurismo - Vas por el buen camino, pero hoy en día eres más como él que como él. Despierta, ya.
  • Hoppeanismo - Compartes mi desdén por la democracia y tienes una debilidad por la monarquía, aunque por las razones equivocadas.
  • Neorreaccionarismo - Me complace saber que aún hay jóvenes que rechazan esta basura. Sin embargo, algunos de vosotros necesitáis un poco más de madurez. Pegaros una ducha e id más a misa, insensatos.
  • Capitalismo - Puede que te haya respaldado en el pasado, pero tu sistema convierte en infelices a los hombres y mujeres de trabajo y de bien. Alabemos a Dios, no a Mamón.
  • Franquismo - ¡Traidor! No solo me obligaste a amalgamarme con esos repugnantes falangistas, sino que además desatendiste el legítimo derecho al trono de Javier de Borbón-Parma, como así nos prometiste. La única cosa buena que hiciste fue ganar en la guerra; nada más.
  • Falangismo - Únicamente nos hallábamos unidos por nuestro patriotismo y nuestra fe durante la guerra civil. Más allá de eso, no eres más que otro maldito republicano.
  • VOX - Demasiado centralista y liberal, pero con mucho mayor mérito que el resto de los partidos parlamentarios.
  • Nueva derecha - Base electoral para lo anteriormente mencionado. ¿Pero de dónde viene ese maldito olor? ¡Por Dios, ducharos de una vez!
  • Liberalismo nacionalista - Ex-electores de Ciudadanos, ahora se han convertido en los votantes moderados de VOX. No merecen más reconocimiento que ese.
  • Liberalismo reaccionario - Un liberal que aún no ha comprendido que el catolicismo se opone a su pecaminosa ideología. Es, sin embargo, el miembro más "tolerable" de su familia.
  • Gremialismo - Tomó algunas ideas valiosas de mí, pero al final del día, no es más que otro sucio liberal.
  • Cuarta teoría política - Coincidimos en que la modernidad ha fracasado y que es preciso un retorno a un orden tradicional; sin embargo, ¿por qué sientes tanto odio hacia el catolicismo?

Cristinos, liberales y guiris

  • Liberales - ¡ME CAGO EN LA LECHE DE ESTOS LOCOS SIN DIOS!
  • Cristinos - ¿Con qué legitimidad pretendéis gobernar vosotros, los usurpadores? Es claro que la corona pertenece a Don Carlos, el verdadero heredero, quien sigue las leyes tradicionales y la herencia legítima, esa que vosotros habéis mancillado con decretos y maniobras para instaurar a una niña en el trono. Habéis pisoteado la Ley Sálica y os habéis puesto al servicio de intereses extranjeros y liberales que quieren destruir nuestra fe y nuestras costumbres. ¿Cómo osáis hablar de derecho cuando sois un grupo de traidores al reino y a la fe católica?
    • Defendemos la legitimidad de Isabel II según la Pragmática Sanción, aprobada por Fernando VII, frente a vuestras ideas absolutistas que solo buscan restaurar un régimen opresor y anticuado. Con la regencia de María Cristina, apostamos por un futuro más justo y moderno, donde la ley no sea privilegio de unos pocos.
  • Pensamiento ilustrado y Jacobinismo - ¡No sois sino perros rabiosos y malnacidos! ¡Fuisteis un error desde el principio! ¡MORID!
  • Democracia - Una criatura bastarda y maldita, fruto pérfido de lo anteriormente mencionado. ¿Acaso necesito decir más?
  • Bonapartismo - Un tirano diminuto, incapaz de suplantar su mezquindad, que contaminó a España con las corruptas ideas 'ilustradas'. ¡Perdiste la Guerra Peninsular por ser un hereje y un miserable gabacho! ¡Ja, ja, ja!
  • Progresismo, Socialismo y Communismo - ¡Sucia escoria liberal y roja! No solo infectáis mi movimiento con vuestra asquerosa ideología, sino que además tratáis de destruir nuestra sagrada tradición. Vuestros días de terror han llegado a su fin, animales. ¡MORID!
  • Centralismo - Desdeñar la realidad histórica de las Españas y sus regiones supone ignorar a toda la nación en su totalidad.
  • Teocracia protestante - ¡Solo hay una verdadera y única Iglesia, y es Católica, Apostólica y Romana! ¡Arrepiéntete ahora, hereje!
  • Separatismos independentistas - Vuestra ansia separatista es una pérfida traición a la unidad sagrada de las Españas, fundada en Dios y la monarquía, que garantiza nuestros verdaderos derechos. Con vuestro desprecio hacia el Rey y los Fueros, abrazáis ideologías extranjeras y rompéis el lazo espiritual que nos une como nación. Mientras nos guíe el Señor, defenderemos la Patria de vuestra deslealtad.
  • Sionismo, Masonería y Teocracia satánica - Judíos, masones y satanistas, todos trabajando en conjunto con Lucifer para mermar y destruir la única y auténtica religión. ¡MORID, MORID, MORID!
  • Anarcosindicalismo - ¡Anarquismo! ¡Progresismo! ¡Sindicalismo! Todas esas miserables y degeneradas ideologías, fundidas en una única aberración monstruosa. Doy gracias a Dios cada día porque vuestra derrota fue inevitable y final.
  • Indigenismo - ¿Es una broma, verdad? El imperio español fué una bendición para los pueblos indígenas de América. Sois meras marionetas de , la respuesta a un problema que nunca existió. Y no, la 'leyenda negra' es solo eso, una leyenda. Creced de una vez, imbéciles.
  • Partido Carlista de Euskal Herria - Mi necio y desviado descendiente. Eres la viva manifestación de la traición y la deshonra, el vivo ejemplo de la podredumbre que has traído a nuestro linaje. Montejurra no fue un error, fue un aviso que no supiste entender. Tu existencia es un insulto que debí erradicar cuando tuve la ocasión, pero no cometeré ese error dos veces.
    • Insultos y amenazas, ¡cómo corresponde a la mentalidad de quienes nunca supieron ver más allá de su nostalgia! Tú me acusas de traicionar el linaje, cuando el verdadero propósito de nuestros ideales nunca fue servir a las glorias de unos pocos, sino a las necesidades de los muchos. No puedes entender que el espíritu del Carlismo no es una reliquia polvorienta de tus tiempos de espada y miedo, sino un llamado a la justicia y a la igualdad en esta era. Montejurra… Montejurra no fue más que un intento tuyo y de los tuyos de sofocar lo que ya había florecido en la conciencia de los carlistas de hoy: que la lucha no es por la corona, sino por el pueblo. Eso es lo que temo nunca entenderás.


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  1. Similar to a Semi-Constitutional Monarchy but with the Fueros and other institutions, working as limitations to the Monarch's power instead of the Constitution.
  2. Bordaberry himself was a Carlist, being recognized as such and praised by Spanish Carlists after the Civil-Military Dictatorship. How much of his policies reflected the influence of Carlism and Integralism that he had can be debated (He also had big influences from Francoism).