Todd Glider

Barcelona, at the start of the 20th century, is experiencing unprecedented growth, annexing neighboring villages, building more factories and inspiring a wave of immigration from within Spain. Significant events include Tragic Week, the rise of anarcho-syndicalist labor unions, the creation of a Commonwealth of Catalunya, and a military coup that results in Spain's first 20th century dictatorship.

The 2nd Republic begins with great hope, in Barcelona and across Spain. For the first time in anyone's memory, working and lower classes are afforded a voice, and the opportunity for a brighter future. However, left and right-wing politicos are butting heads at every turn, and an ideological tug-of-war begets brinkmanship, ushering in the failed military coup that becomes the Spanish Civil War.

The 18th century War of Spanish Succession results in the suspension of autonomy in Barcelona and the region. Their language, Catalan, is outlawed, and a military outpost is erected to keep the locals in line. Episode 1 focuses mainly on the 19th century industrial expansion of Barcelona, the plight of the city's workers, and the rise of Spain's first Bourgeoisie class.

Post-war Barcelona is a dark, ominous place. Famine is rampant. Jails are filled to capacity. The Catalan language, flags and cultural symbols have been banned. Even the city's soccer team, Barça, is forced to change its name. Members of the losing side of the Civil War, the Republicans, are now considered enemies of the state, and face a gauntlet of reprisals under the new regime.

The second half of the Franco dictatorship earned the nickname "Dictablanda" because it was perceived as less harsh than the first 20 years. However, as the 1960s begin, Barcelona, and indeed, all of Spain, seems frozen in time. Political pluralism and the Catalan language are outlawed. Yet, by the end of 1975, Franco is dead, and the people are becoming increasingly restless for change.

Thanks to the towering success of the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona has reached the world stage. Gains in tourism, industry, and real estate are keying unprecedented prosperity for the region. Yet, there remains a burning desire to exert more social and political control. The city is a hotbed of political and social action, putting it on a collision course with Spain's central government.