Crisis of the Old Regime in Spain (1808-1833)

Posted on Oct 22, 2024 in History

The Late 18th and Early 19th Centuries

The late 18th and early 19th centuries in Western Europe and the American colonies witnessed the crisis of the Old Regime in Spain. This crisis stemmed from both internal and external factors, which the absolutist monarchy proved incapable of resolving. One contributing factor was the ineffective reign of Charles IV and his favorite, Manuel Godoy, along with their relationship with France.

Several key events unfolded:

  • Family Compacts
  • French Revolution (1793-1795)
  • Alliance with France (Treaty of Fontainebleau)
  • War of Independence (1808-1813)

The crisis began with internal opposition to Charles IV in favor of his son, Ferdinand. This erupted into the Mutiny of Aranjuez, prompting Napoleon’s intervention and leading to the abdications of Bayonne. The Spanish people then assumed national sovereignty, marking the start of the War of Independence, which unfolded in three phases:

  1. Initial Spanish opposition and victory at Bailén.
  2. Napoleon’s occupation with the Grande Armée, except for Cadiz and Lisbon (1808-1813).
  3. Defeat of the French due to their invasion of Russia and the Spanish guerrillas (1812-1814).

Napoleon subsequently recognized Ferdinand VII as king via the Treaty of Valençay. During this period, Joseph Bonaparte ruled the Kingdom of Spain with the support of pro-French factions, under the Statute of Bayonne. This attempted reform failed due to the ongoing war.

Important events during this time included:

  • Creation of governing boards (juntas) at local, provincial, and national levels, assuming sovereignty in the absence of a recognized king.
  • The Cortes of Cádiz, which played a crucial role in decision-making and the creation of new institutions. The Cortes comprised three groups: Liberals, Centrists, and Absolutists.
  • Promulgation of the Constitution of 1812 (La Pepa) by the Cortes of Cádiz.

The Constitution of 1812

The Constitution of 1812 established:

  • National sovereignty.
  • Division of powers (legislative, executive, and judicial).
  • Recognition of Roman Catholicism as the sole official religion.
  • Universal male suffrage (indirect).

It also introduced social and economic reforms based on liberty, equality, and property rights. These included the abolition of the feudal system, secularization of church lands, suppression of the Inquisition, and removal of internal customs barriers. However, these reforms were not fully implemented due to the ongoing war.

The Reign of Ferdinand VII (1814-1833)

Ferdinand VII’s reign consisted of three phases:

  1. Restoration of Absolutism (1814-1820): Supported by the clergy, the army, and events like the Manifesto of the Persians and the royal decree of 1814. This period was marked by economic problems, lack of support, and liberal opposition from the bourgeoisie.
  2. The Liberal Triennium (1820-1823): Characterized by the division of liberals into moderates and radicals, with key players like patriotic societies and the national militia. The Cortes re-established liberal laws (including the Constitution of 1812) and carried out land reforms (desamortización). This period ended with the intervention of the Hundred Thousand Sons of St. Louis.
  3. The Ominous Decade (1823-1833): Absolutist institutions were restored, including the Cabinet and ministries. Upon Ferdinand VII’s death in 1833, a succession crisis arose. With the birth of Isabella, the heir became Carlos María Isidro (Ferdinand’s brother), leading to the First Carlist War.

Emancipation of the Colonies

During this period, many Spanish colonies in the Americas achieved independence due to Creole nationalism, French occupation of Spain, and the initiative of military leaders in the Americas. This resulted in the emancipation of most colonies, except Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Past Questions

Characteristics of the Habsburg Political Model

In the 16th century, the government was an authoritarian monarchy with powerful royal secretaries. In the 17th century, the form of government evolved into absolute monarchy, where kings were assisted by validos and royal secretaries. In both centuries, the territorial system was consolidated through councils and tribunals, with the Royal Council playing a significant role.

Philip II’s Internal Politics

Philip II faced numerous challenges, including the Revolt of the Alpujarras, the Antonio Pérez affair, the Aragonese revolt, the Black Legend, the death of Don Carlos, the Dutch Revolt, economic issues, the Price Revolution, and maintaining Iberian unity.

Consequences of the 17th-Century Crisis

The 17th-century crisis led to population decline due to plagues, wars, and emigration to the Americas. Uprisings occurred in Catalonia, Portugal, Naples, Sicily, and Andalusia. The Count-Duke of Olivares’s plans, such as the Union of Arms, failed. Inflation, loss of competitiveness, increasing imports and prices, a trade deficit, impoverishment of the Third Estate, and a rise in the number of clergy due to economic hardship were also significant consequences.

Consequences of the Peace of Utrecht for Spain

The Peace of Utrecht resulted in the change from Habsburg to Bourbon rule, the division of Spanish possessions in Europe between Austria and Great Britain, the rise of Great Britain as a naval and commercial power, and the loss of territories like Gibraltar and Menorca. Spain subsequently adopted a foreign policy aimed at regaining its lost domains.