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Page 4 of 5
In 1789, the French Revolution places Andorra between two powerful nations, France and Spain, confronted permanently. Beheaded "Lluís XVI" (1-21st-1793) the "pariatge" was interrupted because the french revolutionaries considered the acceptance of tributes of the "Questia", as simple feudal remnants. So, France decided to renounce to all her master rights on Andorra not accepting the payment of the "Questia", this fact put in a serious risk the neutrality of the Valleys as well as the privileges attained from the french kings in the past.
In 1794, during the war with Spain, french troops penetrate till "Soldeu" in an attempt to occupate the "Seu D'Urgell". Representatives from Andorra, went to "Puigcerdà", where General "Chabret" had his headquarters, and convinced him to renounce to the operation. Years later, on Andorran request, in 1806, "Napoleon Ist" re-established the positions of "Veguer" and "French Batlle", the "Questia" and the custom exemptions given in the past by king "Lluís XVth".
This definite re-establishment of the "co-sovereignty" marked a new period in the history of Andorra. We can say that the Valleys of Andorra get open to the world. The first european travellers, get interested by the beauty of landscapes and their customs. Appear the first books, as "Relació sobre la Vall d'Andorra" written by "Fray Tomas Junoy". Even the music crosses the border-lines: in 1848 the opera of Paris plays Halevy's piece "La Val d'Andorra", and in 1852 in Madrid was presented the "sarsuela" "El Valle de Andorra" from "mestre Gaztambide".
At the same time, the andorran neutrality was seriously threatened by the Spanish dynastic conflict, and their associated battles. Frequently, "liberals" and "Charlists" look for shelter in the Valleys, as for example "Dalmau de Baquer" that even wrote a book entitled "History of the Republic of Andorra".
In the year 1866, "Guillem de Plandolit i d'Areny" nobleman and rich landowner, headed the "Nova Reforma", that was accepted by the bishop "Josep Caixal i Estradé" in April 14th 1866. This deep reform of the institutions gives a more active participation of the people in the government of Andorra. The "General Council" is composed by 24 "Consellers", that will be elected by the "síndics". Three years later, the co-prince "Napoleon IIIrd" ratified the reform done.
During the last years of the last century, the economic difficulties, forced many people to migrate, at the same time they inaugurated the first telephone and telegraph lines. At the end of the 19th century, Andorra, was an almost unknown and isolated country, that from time to time was visited by some travellers that frequently wrote down the accounts of their journeys.
5. Twentieth Century
The institutions, maintain their spirit, and curiously are respected, as "Civil Justice" administered by "batlles" appeal judges and superior courts; "Criminal Justice" administered by the "Tribunal de Corts"; and the "Administrative-neighbour to neighbour" by the Court of "Veeduria" and places as "Sant Julià de Lòria" are witnesses. In 1899 they constitute the "Road Administrative Joint" that during 1907 found a definite impulse by the new co-prince, "Joan Benlloch i Vivó". Starting in 1914, Andorra, begins to break its traditional isolation, by the construction of the first road communicating Andorra and the "Seu d'Urgell". During 1933, this road is continued till the "Pas de la Casa", border-line with France.
Meanwhile, in 1914, the "Virgin of Meritxell" is declared "Patrona de les Valls d'Andorra", reckoning this way an andorran tradition of unknown origin, by Pope "Pius X". The Cardinal "Vidal i Barraquer", archbishop of Tarragone, altogether with the bishop co prince "Justí Guitart", crown the image of the "Mother of God from Meritxell" on September the 8th (National Holiday of the Principate) of 1921. We must emphasize as a highlight the first public interpretation of the National Anthem of Andorra, during the above mentioned act. In 1928, the Spanish Government creates a postal service between Andorra and Spain, printing stamps on andorran topics. France will do the same three years later. In 1929, are installed the first electric plants, because up to this point every parish made its own electricity with small electric generators. The new society "Forces Hidroelèctriques d'Andorra, S.A. (FHASA)", acquired all the exploitation rights of the andorran waters. The concession of this hydroelectric plant attracts workers from outside the Principate.
The aspiration of the Andorran people to exercise their universal right to vote (universal suffrage) not restricted, causes during 1933, a great political and social tension. On June the 10th, the "Tribunal de les Corts" removes the "Council", and the permanent delegates of the co-princes convoke elections.
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