Key Events: Enlightenment, French Revolution, and Spanish Independence

Posted on Feb 12, 2025 in History

Key Historical Events

The Enlightenment

T.2 ILLUSTRATION: Characteristics included confidence in human reason, faith in progress, right-wing happiness in this world, and nature as the principle of right. Enlightenment thought: Advocated for an egalitarian society, government participation of citizens, deism, physiocracy, and instruction. ILLUSTRATED DESPOTISM: Involved reforms in politics, society, economy, and culture.

War of Succession (1701-1713)

Aspiring to the throne of Spain were Felipe de Borbón (Philip of Anjou) and Archduke Carlos of Habsburg. This led to an international war involving France against most of Europe, and a civil war within Spain as Castile supported Philip and Aragon supported the Archduke. The war concluded with the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), recognizing Philip as King of Spain.

French Revolution and Napoleonic Era

T.4 French Revolution and national phases: Assembly riots (1789), Constituent Assembly (1789-1791), French Republic (1792-1795), Directory and rise of Napoleon (1795-1804). Napoleonic Empire (1804-1815). Napoleon was named emperor in 1804.

Internal and Foreign Policy

INTERNAL POLICY: Included drawing up the civil code and reforming education. FOREIGN POLICY: Involved extending his empire across Europe by defeating all European powers except Great Britain. His troops were defeated in 1813, and anti-Napoleonic forces entered France in 1814. Napoleon was exiled, and the Bourbon monarchy was restored. Napoleon returned to France and regained power (the 100-day rule) but was finally defeated at Waterloo in 1815 and exiled to the island of St. Helena.

Liberalism and Nationalism

LIBERALISM: Born in the 19th century, its goal was to defend individual freedom, opposing the absolute power of kings. It maintained that power resided in the people and emanated from them, rejecting the stratified class society. It was based on the statements of human rights proclaimed in the U.S. in 1776 and France in 1791.

NATIONALISM: (19th Century) was a feeling of belonging to the same community or nation. It took two forms: one sought the liberation of nations under foreign rule, and the other stated that territories with common elements but different political systems should aspire to form a single nation.

Godoy and Relations with France

T.5 GODOY RELATIONS WITH FRANCE:

  1. Execution of the French King Louis XVI, prompting Spain’s incorporation into the anti-French coalition.
  2. In 1795, France entered a more moderate phase.

Background to the War

  1. Spain allied with France against Britain through the Treaties of San Ildefonso (1796 and 1800). The Franco-Spanish fleet was defeated at the Battle of Trafalgar.
  2. In 1807, Godoy signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau with Napoleon, allowing French troops to enter Spain to invade Portugal.
  3. A group of courtiers opposed to Godoy and his permissive policy with France instigated the Conspiracy of El Escorial, which failed.
  4. Charles IV and Fernando VII were taken to Bayonne, where they renounced the throne of Spain, ceding it to Napoleon, who gave it to Joseph Bonaparte, who ruled Spain during the French occupation.

War of Independence

  1. Spain defeated France at the Battle of Bailén (July 1808).
  2. Napoleon moved to Spain with a large army, gaining control of almost all cities. Some cities were besieged on several occasions but resisted.
  3. The British lent support to the Spanish, changing the course of the war. The Hispano-British army overcame the French at Arapiles, Vitoria, and San Marcial, forcing Napoleon to retreat in 1814.

Independence of America

Causes

  1. Dissemination of ideas from the French Revolution and the example of U.S. independence.
  2. Dissatisfaction of the Criolla bourgeoisie.
  3. Aid from Britain and America, who wanted to control American trade.
  4. The Monroe Doctrine, which stated: “America for Americans,” preventing European troops from entering the continent.
  5. Conflict and international weakness of Spain, which concentrated its efforts on fighting for independence.