19th Century Spain: From War to Revolution
War of Independence (1808-1814)
Following the French invasion of Spain and the abdication of King Carlos IV in favor of his son, Prince Fernando (later Fernando VII), the Spanish people rose up in resistance. The Defense Council, headed by the Supreme Board representing the King and the Spanish institutions, led the fight against the French occupation. After the fall of Seville, Cádiz became a crucial stronghold due to its strategic location as a peninsula with a wide bay and access to the Spanish fleet and support from their British allies.
Cortes of Cádiz and the Constitution of 1812
In 1808, the Cortes of Cádiz were convened, representing the three estates and the prevailing ideologies of the time: liberal, absolutist, and conservative. The Cortes issued decrees, including the abolition of the Holy Inquisition and feudal lordships. The most significant achievement of the Cortes was the creation of the Constitution of 1812, which established:
- Equality of all Spaniards
- Separation of powers
- Freedom of trade
- Private property rights
The Return of Fernando VII (1814)
After the defeat of the French, Fernando VII returned to Spain and abolished the Constitution of 1812, reinstating the old regime and marking a return to absolutism. This period witnessed a regression to the negative aspects of the previous system. However, in 1820, Commander Rafael Riego led a military coup, ushering in the Liberal Triennium (1820-1823). The Constitution of 1812 was reinstated, and efforts were made to establish a liberal state.
Timeline
- 1814: Fernando VII returns to Spain
- 1814-1820: Absolute rule
- 1820-1823: Liberal Triennium
- 1823-1833: Ominous Decade
- 1833: Death of Fernando VII, succession of Isabel II (Salic Law repealed)
Definitions
Nationalism: An ideology that promotes the idea of a distinct entity attached to a territory and its citizens, with diverse political aspirations.
Nation: A group of people who share a common territory, language, history, and culture, and who are subject to the same laws and share a common state.
Coup d’état: A military uprising against the government, typically led by a military leader.
Cortes of Cádiz: The constituent assembly that convened in San Fernando on September 24, 1810, and later moved to Cádiz until 1814 during the Spanish War of Independence.
Liberals: Supporters of individual freedom, social reform, and private enterprise in the economy.
- Moderate Liberals: Advocate for order, property rights, and gradual reforms. They are supported by landowners and the upper bourgeoisie.
- Progressive Liberals: Demand radical reforms. They are supported by the lower bourgeoisie and officials.
Serviles: Supporters of absolute monarchy in the first third of the 19th century.
Imperialism: The policy of extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force. The conquering country is known as the metropolis, and the conquered territories are its colonies.
Empire: A political organization of one or more states ruled by an emperor.
Berlin Conference (1884-1885): A meeting organized to address the issues of colonial expansion in Africa and determine its division among European powers.
Scramble for Africa: The European rush to claim African territories during the period of imperialism, which contributed to the outbreak of World War I.
Ominous Decade: The final phase of Fernando VII’s reign, marked by the restoration of absolutism after the Liberal Triennium (1820-1823) and the annulment of the Constitution of 1812.
Liberal Triennium: The three-year period between 1820 and 1823, characterized by the restoration of the Constitution of 1812 and attempts to establish a liberal state.
Sexenio Revolucionario (1868-1874): A period of political experimentation that saw the following forms of government:
- Constitutional Monarchy (Amadeo of Savoy)
- First Spanish Republic (Centralist)
- Federalism
- Cantonism
Isabel II: Queen of Spain from 1833 to 1868, following the repeal of the Salic Law. Isabel attempted to establish a liberal state but faced opposition from her uncle, Carlos María Isidro de Borbón, who challenged the abolition of the Salic Law, leading to the Carlist Wars.
Boards of Defense: Agencies created on July 24, 1936, by military rebels during the Spanish Civil War, which assumed control in the territories under their control.
Isabelinos: Supporters of Isabel II, primarily liberals (both moderate and progressive).
Carlists: Supporters of Carlos María Isidro de Borbón, who were ultra-reactionary and opposed to liberalism.