19th Century Spanish Politics: Key Terms & Concepts
A
Absolutism
Supporters of maintaining the absolute monarchy of the ancien régime. In the Cortes of Cadiz, absolutist members were a distinct political faction opposing the Liberals, who called them subservient.
Ancien Régime
The political and social system prevalent in Europe between the 15th and 18th centuries. Characterized by absolute monarchy, a society of estates, and feudal land ownership.
B
Bourgeois Revolution
The process that dismantled the ancien régime, leading to a society dominated by the bourgeoisie and the liberal state. This period saw the rise of capitalist production and exchange.
C
Charter Granted
A constitution emanating directly from royal authority, drafted by individuals appointed by the monarch. Examples include the Bayonne Constitution (1808) and the Royal Charter (1834).
Clique
A group of Fernando VII’s trusted advisors who formed a sort of shadow government. The name originated from the king’s private rooms where he met with them.
Constitution
A set of fundamental principles and rules governing a state and its relationship with citizens. Constitutions emerged from the bourgeois revolutions to guarantee individual rights. They are based on popular sovereignty, exercised through parliamentary representatives, and include a bill of rights and the separation of powers.
Cortes
Spanish state institutions originating in 12th-century Castile. With liberalism and the 1812 Constitution, the Cortes became the legislative and representative body of the nation, exercising sovereignty, sometimes shared with the King. Spain has mostly had a bicameral system (Congress of Deputies, Senate), except in 1812 and 1931. During the Franco era, representation was indirect through family, union, and municipality.
D
Division of Powers
A fundamental principle of liberalism, advocated by Enlightenment thinkers like Montesquieu and Locke. The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government should be held by different individuals or institutions.
F
Frenchified
A term for supporters of Joseph I and Napoleon, including enlightened politicians and intellectuals who believed in reform. Prominent figures included Cabarrus, Urquijo, and Fernández de Moratín. After the War of Independence, many emigrated to France.
L
Liberalism
An economic, social, and political theory emphasizing individual freedom. It champions human rights, equality before the law, private property, the division of powers, and national sovereignty, although initially with limitations (census suffrage, restrictions on expression and association).
N
National Military
A civil-military institution established by the 1812 Constitution to defend the new regime. Organized by province, it was often dissolved during periods of absolute or moderate rule.
National Sovereignty
The principle that the nation, comprised of citizens with political rights, holds supreme power. This concept opposes absolute monarchy and was first articulated by Rousseau. It was introduced in Spain by the 1812 Constitution.
O
Old Regime
See Ancien Régime.
P
Pronunciamiento
A 19th-century Spanish military uprising aimed at influencing public opinion through proclamations and manifestos. Successful pronunciamientos often led to changes in government or influenced the Crown.
S
Salic Law
A Germanic legal doctrine excluding women from inheriting the throne. Introduced in Spain by the Bourbons in 1713, it contradicted traditional Spanish inheritance law. Although accepted by Parliament in 1789, the Pragmatic Sanction wasn’t published until 1830.
Seals (Juntas)
Revolutionary bodies formed after the Bayonne abdication and the May 1808 uprising. They organized armed resistance against the French and assumed power, rejecting Joseph Bonaparte’s legitimacy.