Ferdinand VII: Absolutism, Liberal Conflicts, and Spanish Emancipation
Ferdinand VII: Absolutism and Emancipation
Ferdinand VII’s reign was marked by a constant conflict between liberals and absolutists. This period can be divided into three main phases:
The Absolutist Six-Year Period (1814-1820)
With the return of Ferdinand VII, absolutism was restored. This meant the repeal of the 1812 Constitution, the dissolution of liberal powers, and the implementation of socioeconomic reforms. The absolutist restoration was possible due to the international context of restoration and the weakness of the Spanish regime. The monarchy began to recover its manorial rights. The recovery of agricultural jurisdictions and the economic crisis led to increased taxes and the inability to collect from the wealthy. The American colonies began their independence movements, which drained resources and exacerbated the financial crisis. The main source of income was lost (America). Taxes could not be levied on the nobility and clergy, who had fiscal privileges. Liberals were persecuted, and they attempted to implement the 1812 Constitution through secret societies. In January 1820, Lieutenant Colonel Riego successfully led a revolt, restoring the 1812 Constitution, which marked the beginning of the second period.
The Liberal Triennium (1820-1823)
In March 1820, Ferdinand VII swore to uphold the 1812 Constitution. Public life was revived through the press and patriotic societies. Economic and social legislation that liberals had approved between 1810 and 1814 came into force. Measures of disentailment were adopted, and a model of agricultural growth was developed.
Internal Divisions
The liberals began to split into two factions:
- Moderates, who sought to reform the 1812 Constitution.
- Radicals, who defended the 1812 Constitution and wanted to accelerate reforms and revolution. They were a minority in the Cortes.
Absolutist Reaction
Absolutists emerged, supported by the Holy Alliance. In 1823, the Holy Alliance sent the army of the 100,000 Sons of Saint Louis, and Ferdinand VII regained all his power.
The Absolutist Decade (1823-1833)
The first opposition came from within the absolutist ranks: the ultraroyalists. This opposition led to conflict in two main moments:
- The War of the Malcontents in 1827 in Catalonia, a revolt of rural peasants and artisans funded by ultraroyalists and the clergy.
- The dynastic question: In 1830, Ferdinand VII promulgated the Pragmatic Sanction, which allowed women to succeed to the throne, overriding the Salic Law. After Ferdinand’s death in 1833, Maria Cristina became regent, and the Carlist Wars began between supporters of Isabella and Don Carlos.
Liberal Opposition
Liberals opposed absolutism and continued to attempt to restore the liberal regime through failed pronouncements.
Colonial Losses
Colonies continued to revolt. All were lost except Cuba and Puerto Rico. Spain had to seek foreign loans from new capitalists in England and France.
Emancipation of the American Colonies
During Ferdinand VII’s reign, the emancipation of the Spanish colonies in America began.
Causes
- In 1808, there was a power vacuum in Spain, which had no government control over its territory.
- The influence of new ideas and the success of other independence movements (e.g., the U.S. in 1776 and Haiti in 1804).
- The lack of administrative and fiscal reforms in the second half of the 18th century, which limited the colonies’ growth.
- The discontent of the Creole leaders, who felt discriminated against by the Spanish officials.
- The crisis in Spain in 1808, which opened questions about the relationship with the metropolis.
Development
The political crisis of 1808 in America led to the formation of juntas, similar to those in Spain. Some supported Ferdinand VII, while others sought independence. A process of irreversible change began.
- In May 1810, the independence movement gained momentum in Buenos Aires. Similar attempts, with less success, occurred in Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia between 1810 and 1814.
- From 1814, independence leaders like Simón Bolívar and José San Martín adapted their strategies to the sociopolitical conditions of the colonies and promoted the redemption of slaves. The rebellion spread, and the rebels received aid from Great Britain.
Consequences
- The independence process ended with the defeat of the Spanish forces at Ayacucho (Peru) in 1824. The Spanish Empire was reduced to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.
- Economic control shifted to Great Britain and the United States.
The pragmatic sanction, which allowed women to succeed to the throne, overriding the Salic Law. After Ferdinand’s death in 1833, Maria Cristina became regent, and the Carlist Wars began between supporters of Isabella and Don Carlos.
Liberals opposed absolutism and continued to attempt to restore the liberal regime through failed pronouncements.
Colonies continued to revolt. All were lost except Cuba and Puerto Rico. Spain had to seek foreign loans from new capitalists in England and France.
Emancipation of the American Colonies
During Ferdinand VII’s reign, the emancipation of the Spanish colonies in America began.
Causes
- In 1808, there was a power vacuum in Spain, which had no government control over its territory.
- The influence of new ideas and the success of other independence movements (e.g., the U.S. in 1776 and Haiti in 1804).
- The lack of administrative and fiscal reforms in the second half of the 18th century, which limited the colonies’ growth.
- The discontent of the Creole leaders, who felt discriminated against by the Spanish officials.
- The crisis in Spain in 1808, which opened questions about the relationship with the metropolis.
Development
The political crisis of 1808 in America led to the formation of juntas, similar to those in Spain. Some supported Ferdinand VII, while others sought independence. A process of irreversible change began.
- In May 1810, the independence movement gained momentum in Buenos Aires. Similar attempts, with less success, occurred in Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia between 1810 and 1814.
- From 1814, independence leaders like Simón Bolívar and José San Martín adapted their strategies to the sociopolitical conditions of the colonies and promoted the redemption of slaves. The rebellion spread, and the rebels received aid from Great Britain.
Consequences
- The independence process ended with the defeat of the Spanish forces at Ayacucho (Peru) in 1824. The Spanish Empire was reduced to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.
- Economic control shifted to Great Britain and the United States.