American & Spanish History: Revolutions & Power Shifts
The American Revolution and the Birth of the United States
The Declaration of Independence
The thirteen English colonies established on the east coast of North America in the eighteenth century staged the first successful uprising against a colonial power. This revolution established the first government founded on principles of equality and liberty. On July 4, 1776, delegates from the thirteen colonies gathered in Philadelphia and drafted the Declaration of Independence, with its preamble penned by Thomas Jefferson. This document explicitly stated the principles driving the revolt: the right to liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and the duty of rulers to respect the inalienable rights of the people.
The United States Constitution
The war against Great Britain lasted until 1783, ending with the American victory at Yorktown under the leadership of General George Washington, who became the first President of the United States. In 1787, the newly formed nation drafted the first written Constitution in history. This document ensured the separation and balance of powers, established a republican form of government with significant presidential authority, and created a federal structure granting substantial self-governing power to the states. The federal government retained responsibility for foreign affairs, defense, finance, and currency. The Constitution was complemented by a Bill of Rights, guaranteeing freedoms of religion, press, expression, and assembly, along with the right to trial by jury. The practical application of these liberal political principles explains the global impact of the American Revolution.
The Spanish Bourbons and the War of Succession
The Arrival of the Bourbons
Following the death of the last Habsburg king of Spain, Charles II, in 1700 without an heir, he designated Prince Philip of Bourbon, grandson of Louis XIV of France as his successor.
The War of Succession
Archduke Charles of Austria, claiming the Spanish crown due to family ties with the Habsburgs challenged Philip V’s claim, leading to the War of Succession. Castile largely remained loyal to the Bourbon monarch, while much of the Crown of Aragon supported the Archduke. The war turned in favor of Philip’s forces with their victory at Almansa. In 1713, Archduke Charles inherited the Austrian throne upon his brother’s death. Fearing the increasing power of the Bourbons, other European powers signed the Treaty of Utrecht in 1714. The fall of Barcelona on September 11, 1714, followed by Cardona’s capitulation, brought all of Catalonia under Bourbon rule.