Second Brotherhood

Quick Facts: Who was Second Brotherhood?

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Second Brotherhood

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A 17th-century Valencian peasant uprising against high rents in Habsburg Spain.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Second Brotherhood (Catalan: Segona Germania) was an uprising in the central regions of the Kingdom of Valencia of Habsburg Spain in 1693. The protesters named themselves agermanats after the germanies ("brotherhoods") or guilds of Valencia who had revolted in 1519 in the Revolt of the Brotherhoods, but the two revolts are quite different in their supporters and the social context in which they occurred. Rather than a revolt by middle-class guildsmen, the Second Brotherhood was a peasant revolt against high rents on farmland and crops. Additionally, the Second Brotherhood was resolved far faster and far more peaceably than the violence of the 1519 revolt in both the rebels' actions and the government's subsequent repression. One of the major causes behind the first revolt was public distrust and hatred of the Moriscos.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

However, at the beginning of the 17th century King Phillip III expelled them all. This removed the original motive for a revolt, but wrecked the economy of Valencia for two generations. Only by late 17th century was the area beginning to recover economically. Still, this return to prosperity brought several revolts by peasants concerned with their lack of benefit from the growing wealth of their lords. These included revolts in Horta (Huerta) in 1663, Valldigna in 1672, and Camp de Morvedre in 1689.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

At the beginning of 1693 the Duke of Gandía and other noblemen went to Madrid in order to complain of the reluctance of its vassals to pay Sunday rents. They also complained of Fèlix Vilanova, who had already participated as an instigator of the revolt at Camp de Morvedre in 1689. Felix seemed to be provoking the peasants of the Marina Comarque by telling its noblemen that there were some documents and ancient privileges which exempted the peasants from paying them rents. After a violent clash between protesters and the police in Pedreguer, the viceroy proposed to create a board of lawyers in Valencia where the legal arguments could be set forth. In this board the protesters alleged certain rights granted by James I and his successors, but they were not accepted for lack of documentary evidence.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1519: 1519 Milestone — The protesters named themselves agermanats after the germanies ("brotherhoods") or guilds of Valencia who had revolted in 1519 in the Revolt of the Brotherhoods, but the two revolts are quite different in their supporters and the social context in which they occurred.
2. 1663: 1663 Milestone — These included revolts in Horta (Huerta) in 1663, Valldigna in 1672, and Camp de Morvedre in 1689.
3. 1689: 1689 Milestone — They also complained of Fèlix Vilanova, who had already participated as an instigator of the revolt at Camp de Morvedre in 1689.
4. 1693: 1693 Milestone — The Second Brotherhood (Catalan: Segona Germania) was an uprising in the central regions of the Kingdom of Valencia of Habsburg Spain in 1693.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Second Brotherhood

True or False: “The Second Brotherhood was primarily a revolt led by the urban middle-class guildsmen, similar to the 1519 uprising.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Second Brotherhood was fundamentally a peasant revolt focused on grievances regarding high rents on farmland and crops.

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