At the turn of the 19th to 20th century, the Canary Islands experienced a vibrant debate about their identity and place within Spain. A central figure in this process was José Betancort Cabrera, better known as Ángel Guerra, born in Teguise, Lanzarote, in 1874. His life and writings reflect the tensions between Spanish nationalism, regionalism, and the aspirations for autonomy that shaped modern Canarian history [^19c-memoria-historica-de-canarias-recuperacion-de-personajes-de-lasnzarote-s-b0tulnw].
Ángel Guerra, a journalist and writer, moved from Lanzarote to Las Palmas and later to Madrid, where he joined intellectual and journalistic circles tied to the Canarian community and figures like Benito Pérez Galdós. From Madrid, Guerra became a spokesperson for Canarian interests, publishing in 1902 a series of articles in the newspaper “Las Canarias” under the title “On the Canaries: Britanization and Separatism.” In these articles, he defended the Spanishness of the Canaries against accusations of “Britanization” and separatism circulating in Madrid, while acknowledging the need for greater autonomy and attention from the central government [^19c-memoria-historica-de-canarias-recuperacion-de-personajes-de-lasnzarote-s-b0tulnw].
Guerra argued that, due to its geographic position and agricultural wealth, the Canary Islands deserved special treatment within Spain. He criticized the archipelago’s historical neglect and the lack of infrastructure that hindered trade with the mainland. He also maintained that Canarian identity was not incompatible with Spanish identity, and that regionalism could serve as a force for unity and progress [^19c-memoria-historica-de-canarias-recuperacion-de-personajes-de-lasnzarote-s-b0tulnw].
The regionalism advocated by Ángel Guerra did not seek separation, but rather recognition of Canarian particularities and the achievement of administrative and economic autonomy for the islands’ development. His position contrasted with that of other activists like Secundino Delgado, who was more radical in his demands, but both shared concerns about the future of the Canaries and a desire to overcome local oligarchies and external dependence [^19c-memoria-historica-de-canarias-recuperacion-de-personajes-de-lasnzarote-s-b0tulnw].
Ángel Guerra’s legacy symbolizes Lanzarote’s and its intellectuals’ role in shaping Canarian regional consciousness. His example encourages reflection on the importance of recovering historical memory and valuing the contributions of those who, from the periphery, helped define Canarian identity during times of change and challenge. Today, his story remains relevant for understanding the construction of insular identity and the balance between local and national aspirations [^19c-memoria-historica-de-canarias-recuperacion-de-personajes-de-lasnzarote-s-b0tulnw].