Popular rebellion and social subversion: The mutiny of Femeret of Lleida (1809)

This study attempts to address an aspect scarcely treated by the historiography, which illustrates the political and social conflicts at the time of the Spanish War of Independence. Through an analysis of the demographic, economic, social, political, religious and ideological background, we examine the assembly process that arose following the Napoleonic invasion. We also examine how growing public discontent due to increasing material hardship, relentless recruitment and considerable fiscal, legal and political inequality in an extraordinary context of war led to what is known as the “mutiny of Femeret” in the first three days of the year 1809; the largest revolt of the Principality during the Spanish War of Independence.