1855 Catalan general strike

In 1855, Catalan workers went on strike following the dubious trial and execution of labor leader Josep Barceló Cassadó. It was the first general strike in Spanish history. A factory director was killed in Sants during the strike. As labor unions expanded in the next century, strikes became commonplace in Barcelona.

Context
The strike took place during the Baldomero Espartero government of the Bienio progresista during the reign of Isabella II which began with the revolution of 1854 which included the proclamation of June 28, 1854 and the coup led by Leopoldo O'Donnell, with the support of France and Britain.

Origin
Workers initially mobilized against mechanization, specifically in relation to the spinning of yarn. This was called the Conflict of the selfactinas.

Due to new freedoms acquired after the Revolution of 1854 and the tolerance of the Espartero government, workers' associations were developed, with thirty associations forming a central council. But the newly appointed captain general of Catalonia, General Zapatero, put an end to tolerance and began a policy of repression of the labor movement.