The Junta de Braços, or Assembly of Estates, was called in October 1640 in the Principality of Catalonia, representing a unified effort in opposition to Spanish rule. This assembly was convened amid growing discontent among Catalan society regarding taxation, military conscription, and lack of political representation under the Spanish crown. Tensions had escalated significantly following the imprisonment of various Catalan leaders, exacerbating the desire for autonomy and self-determination. During this historic assembly, representatives from various regions and social classes in Catalonia came together to discuss the prevailing injustices and assert their rights.

The outcomes of the Junta de Braços were revolutionary, as the assembly declared the sovereignty of Catalonia and initiated efforts to create what would become the Catalan Republic. Among the measures enacted were calls for the establishment of a separate administrative framework, decreased military obligations to Spain, and enhanced local governance. Furthermore, a series of resolutions were adopted that laid the groundwork for future independence movements within Catalonia. These actions reflected a significant shift in political consciousness, marking a departure from mere local grievances toward a broader agenda for independence.

The Junta de Braços thus catalyzed a larger conflict within the Iberian Peninsula known as the Reapers' War, during which Catalonia fought for its political, social, and economic rights against the central authority of Spain. This assembly was pivotal in shaping the identity of Catalonia as a distinct political entity, laying the ideological and practical foundations for future aspirations for independence in the region.