1719: La Guerra de la Quàdruple Aliança i l’origen dels Mossos d’Esquadra

Identifier:  TDX:3029

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX3029

Authors:  Hidalgo Cela, David

Abstract:
The origin of the present corps of Mossos d’Esquadra has been subject of analysis, research and debate since the second half of the nineteenth century up to present times. The issue has been darkened due to different historical circumstances. This thesis aims at shedding some light onto the matter. Many studies have been traditionally devoted to finding out the exact foundation date of the police institution as well as to tracing Veciana family, whose members were the first to set up and display the organization. Another aspect which has been under discussion among scholars is the number of squadrons which were first created under the new Reial Audiencia, the high court or general government in 1719. The high court followed the instructions of capità general, both military and civil high command of Catalonia. These have been the issues which have interested most scholars so far; They overlooked or dismissed other important aspects such as the important role of the new police force in the Quadruple Alliance war. Such a conflict was partly responsible for the setting up of the institution. The present thesis 1719: The Quadruple Alliance War and the origin of Mossos d’Esquadra, proves thoroughly that the origin of the police corps has to be found on April 21st 1719 amidst a war of international scope. Its main promoter was marquis of Castel-Rodrigo, captain general of Catalonia. Aside from demystifying dates and historical characters that blur the actual origin of the institution, the present doctoral thesis deeply analyses its creation process, how it was organized, the organizational chart and territorial deployment. It goes in depth for the first time in the police and military activity carried out by the squadrons during the war. The research has enabled us to develop a policeman profile in 1719 based on the social origin and political thought from the members who were enlisted in this police force. To sum up, the present doctoral theses aims at stablishing definitely the origins of a true Catalan police corps, which almost steadily has been serving and protecting Catalonia for the last three hundred years.