19th Century Spain: Disentailment & Cuban War Impact
Spanish Disentailment Under Isabella II
The text begins by explaining the reasons for the confiscation (disentailment):
- Economic goals: Reducing public debt, reviving agriculture, industry, and trade.
- Social/Political goals: Promoting private property and supporting the monarchy of Isabella II. (These principles were influenced by Enlightenment ideas).
The goal was not only to lower public debt but also to create numerous property owners who would support Isabella II’s reign.
In conclusion, these points highlight the connection between the disentailment process and the establishment and consolidation of Queen Isabella II’s monarchy.
Key Terms Explained
- Isabella II: Queen of Spain, daughter of Ferdinand VII. Her reign saw the First Carlist War, the definitive establishment of liberalism as a governing system, the beginnings of industrialization, and frequent political crises. Her reign ended with the Glorious Revolution of 1868.
- National Debt: This refers to money borrowed by the state to cover deficits (similar to modern public debt). It was a major economic problem during this period, addressed urgently by Mendizábal’s government. The debt originated earlier (even before Godoy) but was aggravated by the Peninsular War (military spending) and Ferdinand VII’s reign (loss of American colonial income, refusal to recognize debts from the Cortes of Cádiz and the Liberal Triennium, and previous confiscations).
- Mortmain (Dead Hand): A term for property, often held by municipalities, the nobility, or the Church, that was perpetually tied to them under feudal traditions. Such properties could not be sold or alienated and were often exempt from taxes. During the 18th century, there were attempts to limit the increase of mortmain properties, as they were seen as hindering economic freedom and development. Addressing mortmain was a key objective of liberal-bourgeois revolutions.
The Cuban War of Independence (1895-1898)
Outbreak and Key Events
The Cuban War of Independence erupted during Spain’s Restoration period, significantly impacting the regime. It began in February 1895 with the Grito de Baire, an uprising in eastern Cuba.
The Montecristi Manifesto, authored by José Martí and Máximo Gómez, formally declared the war aims. Gómez and Antonio Maceo assumed military leadership of the rebels. Martí was killed shortly after the war began.
In 1896, the Philippine Revolution, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, also began. General Camilo Polavieja, commanding Spanish troops in the Philippines, acted harshly and executed the leading independence intellectual, José Rizal, in late 1896. Despite this, the rebellion continued.
U.S. Intervention and Defeat
In February 1898, the U.S. battleship Maine exploded and sank in Havana harbor, killing many American sailors. This event prompted the United States to declare war on Spain. In the ensuing Spanish-American War, the Spanish navy was decisively defeated in naval battles at Cavite (Philippines) and Santiago de Cuba.
Treaty of Paris (1898)
In December 1898, the Treaty of Paris was signed. Spain granted independence to Cuba and ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.
Consequences: The Disaster of ’98
The consequences of the war (known as ‘The Disaster of ’98’) included:
- Military resentment: Increased bitterness within the military towards politicians blamed for the defeat.
- Anti-militarism: Growth of popular anti-militarism, fueled by a conscription system where the wealthy could pay for substitutes, leading to resentment against the army.
- Regenerationism: The emergence of Regenerationism, a significant intellectual and political movement critical of the Restoration system, seeking national renewal.
- Loss of Status: Spain lost its remaining major colonies and ceased to be considered a global power.
Sale of Remaining Pacific Islands
Finally, in 1899, Spain sold its remaining Pacific islands (the Caroline Islands, the Mariana Islands excluding Guam, and Palau) to the German Empire through the German-Spanish Treaty.