Carlism
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.



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
Possibly quite difficult:
- Draw a ball.
- Draw the Burgundian cross.
- Draw the eyes.
- (Optional) Draw a red 'boina' or 'chapela', and add a golden ribbon.
- And you're done.
Color Name | HEX | RGB | |
---|---|---|---|
White | #FFFFFF | rgb(255, 255, 255) | |
Red | #DA1013 | rgb(218, 16, 19) | |
Red | #9A0000 | rgb(154, 0, 0) | |
Gold | #D4B200 | rgb(212, 178, 0) |
Relationships
Defensores de la tradición
Teocracia católica
- ¡DIOS!
Panhispanismo
- ¡PATRIA!
Foralismo
- ¡FUEROS!
Monarquismo tradicional
- ¡REY!
Integralismo
- ¡Viva Cristo Rey!
Federalismo y
Confederalismo - ¡Vivan las Españas!
Tradicionalismo,
Contrailustración y
Reaccionarismo - La sacrosanta tradición volverá a nuestras tierras.
Conservadurismo clásico - Mi buen amigo de habla inglesa.
Braunismo - Mi otro buen amigo de habla polaca, aunque es un poquito liberal.
Distributismo - Tu modelo económico es interesante, pero tú y yo aún tenemos que debatir algunos aspectos.
Socialismo amarillo y
Movimiento del Trabajador Católico - Yo ayudé a formar los Sindicatos Libres y a luchar contra
esos animales
.
Jacobismo - Un honorable caballero británico, que sufre una desdicha similar a la mía. Lástima que vuestro actual heredero prefiera el trono bávaro al trono británico. Pero no temáis, algún día uno de los descendientes de los Estuardo será rey,
sin importar el hecho de que sea descendiente de dos hijos ilegítimos de vuestros dos reyes que estuvieron en el trono británico.
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.
Further Information
Wikipedia
Articles
- Carlism
- Carlist Wars
- House of Bourbon-Parma
- Traditionalism (Spain)
- Traditionalist Communion
- Requeté
- Cum multa
- Affair of the Spanish Marriages
- La Gloriosa
- Sindicatos Libres
- Unification Decree
- Montejurra massacre
- Carlist Party (1970)
- Carlism in literature
People
- List of Carlist Claimants to the Spansih Throne (in Spanish)
Infante Carlos María Isidro of Spain (Carlos V)
Carlos Luis de Borbón (Carlos VI)
Infante Juan, Count of Montizón (Juan III)
Infante Carlos, Duke of Madrid (Carlos VII)
Infante Jaime, Duke of Madrid (Jaime III)
Infante Alfonso Carlos, Duke of San Jaime (Alfonso Carlos I)
Prince Xavier of Bourbon-Parma (Javier I)
Prince Sixtus Henry of Bourbon-Parma (Enrique V)
- Tomás de Zumalacárregui
- Manuel Fal Conde
- Ramón Nocedal Romea
- Juan Olazábal Ramery
Websites
- Carlism (Encyclopedia Britannica)
- Comunión Tradicionalista (in Spanish)
- Traditionalist Carlist Circle "Camino Real de Tejas"
- Newspaper "La Esperanza" (in Spanish)
Gallery
-
Credit: u/Borisyukishvili, Source
-
Credit: Not-A-Robot-2000, Source
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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).