Cortes of Cadiz and Ferdinand VII Succession
Economic and Social Reforms of Cortes of Cadiz
Liberalism from France grew in Spain after the revolution, despite censorship. The War of Independence allowed its spread beyond a small circle. In Cadiz, the Cortes’ legislative work dismantled the Ancien Régime’s social, economic, and political foundations, creating a new order. This can be divided into decrees ending the Ancien Régime and establishing a new order, embodied in the 1812 Constitution.
Besides the Constitution, the Cortes enacted significant legislation:
- Decree of September 24, 1810: Created general and special courts, establishing National Sovereignty in the Cortes. It recognized Fernando VII as the legitimate king, revoking the Crown’s assignment to Napoleon.
- Abolition of the court system (August 1811): Jurisdictional rights were eliminated, but lords retained land as private property.
- Elimination of primogeniture and free ownership were declared.
- Confiscation of owned and vacant property (January 1813) to repay debt and reward military retirees, though never applied.
- Abolition of the Mesta, granting towns the right to enclose lands.
- Guilds were abolished (June 1813), decreeing the right to dispose of one’s work, promoting freedom of contracting, production, and trade.
- Freedom of the press (November 1810) was established, excluding religious issues.
The Cortes also enacted religious reforms, including the abolition of the Inquisition and expropriation of Waqf and military orders, causing conflict with the clergy. Most measures were repealed in 1814 but were later reinstated.
Succession Crisis at the End of Ferdinand VII’s Reign
Ferdinand VII’s reign (1814-1833) is divided into three stages: the absolutist six years (1814-1820), the constitutional triennium (1820-1823), and the ominous decade (1823-1833). The Ancien Régime was preserved, interrupting liberal modernization efforts.
Around 1830, Spain faced economic chaos. Liberal conspiracies emerged, leading to timid reforms. The succession crisis arose as Ferdinand VII lacked male heirs. In 1830, he issued the Pragmatic Sanction, eliminating the Salic Law and allowing female succession, favoring his daughter Isabel. Don Carlos protested, claiming his right to the throne.
Two opposing parties formed: moderate absolutists and liberals supporting Isabel, and diehard absolutists supporting Don Carlos. In 1832, Ferdinand VII briefly abolished the Pragmatic Sanction but later reinstated it. Don Carlos went into exile. In September 1833, Ferdinand VII died, sparking the First Carlist War.