Article 008: The Basques Blood, Identity & Fight for Independence

The Basque people live in a region called Euskal Herria, which includes parts of northern Spain and southwestern France. They are one of the oldest cultural groups in Europe and speak Euskara, a language that is not related to Spanish, French, or any other known language family. Because of their unique history, language, and traditions, the Basques have always seen themselves as a distinct people with a strong sense of identity.

One of the reasons the Basques are often discussed in ancestry and RH negative communities is because they have the highest percentage of RH negative blood in the world, especially O negative. Genetic studies show that the Basques descend from very old European populations that mixed less with later migrations. 

This does not make them non human or separate as a species, but it does explain why their genetics look different from surrounding groups.

The Basque separatist movement grew out of a desire to protect their culture and maintain independence. During the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, Basque language and traditions were banned, and people could be punished for showing their identity.

In this environment a group called ETA was formed in 1959. Their original goal was cultural preservation and independence, but over time they turned to armed conflict. From the late 1960s through the 1990s ETA carried out bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings mainly targeting Spanish police and government officials. Spain, the European Union, and the United States labeled ETA a terrorist organization. The Spanish government responded with arrests, surveillance, and in the 1980s even illegal death squads that targeted suspected ETA members as well as innocent Basques. Violence occurred on both sides. The bloodiest years of the conflict were from the 1970s through the 1990s. Over time support for violence decreased, and Basque identity shifted toward peaceful political expression. 

In 2011 ETA declared a permanent ceasefire. In 2017 they surrendered their weapons, and in 2018 they formally dissolved. After nearly sixty years of conflict the movement transformed into a political and cultural effort instead of an armed struggle. Today the Basque Country enjoys a high level of self government within Spain. The language is taught openly, cultural traditions are protected, and the region is one of the strongest economies in the country. Many Basques still support the idea of independence, but they pursue it through political and democratic means rather than violence. Their identity remains strong, and their genetic uniqueness continues to make them a subject of interest, especially in RH negative discussions.