Key Concepts in 19th Century Spanish History
Key Concepts in 19th Century Spanish History
Pro-French: Spaniards who swore allegiance to Joseph I, supporting Napoleon and his armies. They hoped for the triumph of ideals of freedom and progress, initiated during the reign of Charles III but discontinued by Charles IV. Defeated, they emigrated to France, while those who remained in Spain were repressed by Ferdinand VII.
Ancien Régime: The period prior to the bourgeois revolutions, characterized by a feudal society based on privilege, an advanced economy, and an absolutist political system. The term was first used by French revolutionaries with a derogatory connotation.
Mutiny of Aranjuez: An insurrection organized by the nobility and clergy against Godoy and in favor of Prince Ferdinand (later Ferdinand VII) on March 18, 1808. The pretext was Godoy’s alleged attempt to kidnap the royal family, but the real motive was discontent with his liberal policies. This led to Godoy’s downfall, Charles IV’s abdication, and Napoleon’s military occupation of the peninsula.
Confessionalism: A constitutional system guaranteeing religious freedom but imposing a single state religion, with mandatory membership and restrictions on other faiths.
Constitution: The supreme law of a state, above all powers and institutions. It declares national sovereignty, asserts rights and liberties, establishes the separation of powers (legislative, executive, and judicial), and outlines amendment procedures.
Public Debt: Loans received by the state, either callable (repayable within a specified period) or perpetual (indefinite interest-bearing debt). Debt accumulation was common due to budget deficits in the Ancien Régime.
Guilds: Trade associations from the Middle Ages with social and professional purposes. They regulated production, prices, wages, and quality. Guild ordinances were adopted as laws. Considered anti-liberal for restricting labor and market freedom, they were abolished by the Cortes of Cadiz in 1812.
Civil Confiscation: During the Bienio Progresista, the need for capital to fund railway construction led to the Desamortización of 1855 (Madoz Law). This law declared all mortmain property for sale, including assets of municipalities.
Moyano Law: The Public Instruction Law by Claudio Moyano, the first comprehensive educational administration legislation, in effect until 1970. It established primary schools in municipalities with over 500 inhabitants, secondary institutes in provincial capitals, universities in regional capitals, and doctorates at the Central University. Primary education was to be free for children aged 6-9.
Social and Political Movements
Democratic Sexenio: Began on September 28, 1868, with the Glorious Revolution, overthrowing Isabel II and establishing liberal principles. After Amadeo I’s abdication, the First Republic was proclaimed but ended with General Pavia’s coup on December 28, 1874, leading to the Restoration. This period saw the rise of the labor movement and political turmoil, including the Cantonalist movement.
Consumption Taxes: Taxes on food and basic necessities collected at town entrances. These taxes heavily burdened the poor and were opposed by progressive political forces.
La Granja Mutiny: Following Mendizábal’s removal and rumors of a Carlist agreement, sergeants mutinied at the Royal Palace of La Granja on August 12-13, 1836. They forced the regent to enforce the 1812 Constitution, excluding Article 192 (a five-member regency).
Class Society: The disappearance of legal inequality based on birth. Social classes were now determined by wealth, often derived from non-agricultural activities.
Freemasonry: A secret society originating from medieval guilds. It evolved from operational to speculative, retaining symbolic elements like the lodge, apron, square and compass, and Bible. Freemasons advocated Enlightenment principles and were often liberals and revolutionaries in Spanish contemporary history.