What historical events contributed to the marginalization of the Catalan language in Europe?

The marginalization of the Catalan language in Europe, particularly in regions like Mallorca, has roots in a series of historical events. Following the conquest of Mallorca by the Crown of Aragon in 1229, Catalan became the dominant language in the Balearic Islands. However, over the centuries, various political and social changes began to undermine its status. The War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) led to the unification of Spain under the Bourbon monarchy, which initiated policies favoring Castilian Spanish at the expense of regional languages, including Catalan.

The 19th century saw a revival of Catalan literature and culture, yet it remained vulnerable. The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and subsequent Franco dictatorship (1939-1975) were particularly damaging, as Franco imposed strict censorship and banned the Catalan language in public life and education, promoting a singular Spanish identity. The transition to democracy in the late 20th century allowed for a resurgence of Catalan, but it still faced challenges. The continued political tensions over language rights and identity within regional governments and communities contribute to ongoing debates about the status of Catalan in Mallorca and beyond. Today, while Catalan is co-official in the Balearic Islands, local usage can vary significantly and remains a contentious issue in Spain's intricate sociolinguistic landscape.