Last time Catalan leaders declared a republic it resulted in a declaration of war, and half a million people were brutally murdered by General Franco’s forces.
After an independence Catalonia led a socialist revolution from Barcelona, fascist leader Franco invaded and took control of the state in 1938.
He suppressed Catalan language and culture, and removed all autonomous powers from the regional government, which had been granted some years earlier.
There are stark parallels between these events from history and the unfolding of the situation in Catalonia today.
The triggering of Article 155 by Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy would remove all powers from the Catalan regional government and install direct rule from Spain.
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Leaders like Carles Puigdemont, the regional president, could be sent to prison for up to 30 years for the crime of “rebellion” against the constitution.
While his supporters have vowed to form a human shield to prevent his arrest, which could lead to a violent encounter between independence supporters and Spain’s Civil Guard in a repeat of brutal scenes witnessed at polling stations on referendum day.
EL PAÍS journalist Carlos Cué tweeted: “There is a very strange atmosphere in the Catalan parliament. Some people are trying to be joyful but they know it is the start of a disaster. Sad smiles.”
The Catalan parliament passed independence with 70 votes in favour, ten against and 2 blank ballots in the Catalan parliament in Barcelona.
Ministers stood, clapped and sang the Catalonian national anthem immediately after the result was announced.
Thousands celebrated the vote in the streets as they heard the announcement, singing “Out, out, get the Spanish flag out.”
Tweeting immediately after the result, Mr Rajoy said: “I ask for all Spanish people to remain calm. The rule of law with restore legality to Catalonia.”
Madrid will vote later today on whether to take control of Catalonia after Mr Rajoy accused Catalonian separatists of “mocking democracy”.