Catalan People. The People's Struggle, a History. The end of the 18th century was a difficult time for Catalunya. In 1793, Spain was at war with post-revolutionary France and large parts of Catalunya (which shares a common border with France) were occupied by French soldiers. In 1795, Spain and France signed a peace treaty. In 1796, Spain allied itself with the French against the English; the result was a serious economic setback for Catalan interests. The English immediately blockaded Cadiz, Barcelona and South American ports, which caused a commercial collapse. Unemployment suddenly rose, soup kitchens were set up and there were bread riots in the streets. Catalans reacted angrily against the French blaming them for the situation; some even called for war against the French