During a period characterized by significant turmoil in Catalonia, Louis XIII of France took a decisive step by swearing allegiance to the Catalan constitutions, which codified governance and rights within Catalonia. This act not only recognized the political autonomy sought by Catalan leaders but also positioned Louis XIII as Count of Barcelona. The Reapers' War had been brewing since 1640, driven by deep-seated discontent towards Spanish Habsburg policies and their taxation strategies, exacerbated by the Thirty Years' War context in Europe, which shifted powers and alliances. Catalan leaders, striving for self-determination and better governance, sought this alliance with France as a means to bolster their identity and political standing.

The ceremony in Barcelona symbolized a formal recognition of Catalan aspirations and marked a pivotal moment in Spanish-French relations as Catalonia looked toward France for support against the perceived oppression from the Spanish Crown. This personal union between the Kingdom of France and the Principality of Catalonia represented hopes for not just military support, but potential economic and social collaboration that could define the region's future. The act was a clear indication of the broader geopolitical shifts taking place in Europe during this era, highlighting the intersections of local autonomy movements and larger national ambitions.