Fernando VII and Education: A Clash of Ideologies
Fernando VII and the Struggle for Education
Fernando VII’s reign profoundly impacted Spain, ushering in a new era of political and social thought. Prior to this period, the government was characterized by absolute and despotic rule. However, the invasion sparked a popular uprising, leading to the formation of Parliament and the promulgation of the Constitution of 1812. This established a constitutional monarchy.
The ideals of the French Revolution – liberty, equality, and fraternity – spread throughout the nation. A key principle was the right to education, viewed as a national public good accessible to all. The Constitution mandated that the state provide education to its citizens.
Quintana’s Vision for Education
Quintana presented a report outlining the foundations of general instruction. He advocated for education that was universal, uniform, public, and free. His proposal included the establishment of schools nationwide. In 1814, he presented a Report and Draft Decree on the general organization of public education to the Courts.
The Absolutist Reaction and Educational Decline
However, Fernando VII returned to power, rejecting the Constitution and suppressing it by decree. This created a divide between liberals and absolutists. The country descended into political and economic turmoil, which severely impacted education. The draft decree was rejected, and previous educational structures were reinstated. Schools declined, and education suffered from neglect, resulting in a dire situation with few schools and high costs.
In 1815, religious orders established charitable schools (escuelas caritativas) to impart traditional values, countering the liberal influence.
The Church’s Educational Plan
The Church, through its convent schools, proposed the Plan Cardinal Romo, aiming to educate all school-age children and assume educational expenses. Fernando VII opposed this plan, fearing the excessive power it would grant the Church.
The Brief Resurgence of Liberal Education (1820-1823)
In 1820, an uprising led to the reinstatement of the Constitution. The Courts initiated educational reforms, including instruction on the Constitution and drawing from the Draft Decree of 1814. The new Parliament enacted the General Rules of Public Instruction in 1821. Girls’ schools incorporated calculus alongside reading, writing, and vocational skills. Provisions were made for teacher retirement. Teaching was initially decentralized, with municipalities responsible for education.
In 1821, a study commission led by Quintana was established to examine primary schools and their implications. In 1822, methodological guidelines for primary education and a Draft General Regulation of Primary Education were developed, incorporating Quintana’s proposals.
The Return of Absolutism and the Carlomarde Plans
These liberal projects lasted only three years. Political circumstances shifted, and absolutists regained power. Fernando VII resumed absolute rule until his death in 1833, nullifying all actions taken by the previous government and imposing harsh penalties. Educational policy was controlled by a minister, Carlomarde, who approved all curricula for primary schools, universities, Latin schools, and colleges of humanities. These plans became known as the Carlomarde Plans.
Comparing Educational Philosophies
A comparison reveals that the Carlomarde Plans retained and expanded upon the emphasis on education proposed by the liberals, a point of contention for the absolutists. The plan shared many similarities with the previous liberal plan. Carlomarde provided free education for the children of laborers and granted the clergy a significant role in establishing and controlling schools. However, the Carlomarde Plans ultimately failed to achieve their intended results due to widespread neglect in their implementation.