Carlism is a political movement from Spain, with roots in the nineteenth century. This word is spelled with three syllables: /kɑːlɪz(ə)m/. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "a" sound, followed by a soft "l" sound in the middle syllable. The final syllable ends with an "ism" sound, which is pronounced with a short "i" sound. The spelling of Carlism reflects its origins in the Spanish name "Carlos" (pronounced in Spanish with a hard "c"), from the dynasty of the Bourbon kings of Spain.
Carlism is a political and cultural movement that originated in Spain during the 19th century and is associated with the promotion and defense of traditional Spanish values, particularly those related to monarchy and Catholicism. The term "Carlism" derives from Carlos (Charles) V, which was the name given to several Spanish pretenders to the throne who claimed the legitimacy of the Spanish monarchy.
Carlism emerged in the early 1800s as a response to the political and social changes triggered by the liberal reforms of the Spanish government. Supporters of Carlism, known as Carlists, aimed to establish a traditionalist and conservative regime that rejected modernity and sought to restore the privileges of the nobility, the Catholic Church, and the monarchy.
As a movement, Carlism experienced its most active and influential period during the 19th and early 20th centuries, marked by several armed conflicts and political upheavals. Despite facing military setbacks and divisions among its followers, Carlism persisted as an ideological force, maintaining its opposition to republican and leftist movements throughout the 20th century.
Today, the influence of Carlism has significantly declined, and it is mostly regarded as a historical movement. However, some remnants of Carlist ideology remain, particularly among ultra-conservative and nationalist groups in Spain. Carlism continues to hold interest for historians and scholars studying the political and social history of Spain during the 19th century.
The term "carlism" is derived from the name Carlos, which is the Spanish version of the name Charles. It refers to the political movement known as Carlism, which originated in Spain in the 19th century. Carlism was characterized by support for the traditionalist and legitimist claimant to the Spanish throne, Carlos, who believed he had a rightful claim to the crown. The movement was named after him, and the term "carlism" started being used to describe his supporters and their ideology.