Key Figures and Events in Modern Spanish History
Manuel Godoy
A native of Badajoz, Godoy joined the Civil Guard of King Carlos III. He befriended the future Charles IV and Maria Luisa of Parma. When they ascended to the throne, he rose to several positions, becoming minister of state and the king’s favorite. After the French invasion of Catalonia, he signed the Peace of Basle (1795). Godoy was named Prince of Peace. By the first Treaty of San Ildefonso (1796), Spain and France united against England. The military failures of San Ildefonso (1800), against Portugal, followed pressure from Napoleon. This created enmity with the nobility, who conspired against him. One success was incorporating Olivenza (1801) into Spain after the War of the Oranges. An 1807 agreement with France allowed French troops to pass through Spain to fight Portugal, leading to the War of Independence (1808-1814). Godoy was arrested in the Mutiny of Aranjuez (1808) and later exiled. He attempted enlightened reforms, limiting Church and nobility privileges.
Joseph I (1768-1844)
Older brother of Napoleon I, who appointed him King of Spain in 1808. He ruled under the Constitution or Charter of Bayonne. He was supported by enlightened minorities but faced opposition from the Central Board, the Courts of Cadiz, and guerrillas. His government was mediated by Napoleon. After the defeat at the Battle of Salamanca and leaving Madrid, he left Spain in 1813.
Diego Torrero Muñoz (1761-1828)
This distinguished politician and priest held positions in education and politics. At 27, he was rector of the University of Salamanca. During the Revolutionary War, he aided the popular insurrection and organization of the Juntas. In June 1810, he was appointed to parliament for Extremadura, participating in the Cortes of Cadiz. His liberal ideas earned him the hatred of Fernando VII, leading to imprisonment and exile in Portugal, where he died.
Rafael del Riego (1785-1824)
Spanish military officer. He fought in the War of Independence and, in January 1820, led a pronouncement in favor of the 1812 Constitution. He became a leader of the Liberals and presided over the Cortes in 1822. After the return of absolutism under Fernando VII, he was imprisoned and hanged in Madrid.
Antonio Cánovas del Castillo (1828-1897)
Politician, writer, and historian. He studied law in Madrid and began his political career in the Liberal Union with O’Donnell, for whom he wrote the Manifesto of Manzanares. He held various ministries during the reign of Elizabeth II. He did not participate in the 1868 Revolution. During the Democratic Sexenio, he organized the Alfonsino party, advocating the restoration of the Bourbons. After Martínez Campos’ pronouncement in 1874, he became a key political figure. As Conservative Party leader, he was several times prime minister. He was assassinated by an anarchist.
Miguel Primo de Rivera
A member of a prominent military family, born in Jerez de la Frontera. He attended the Military Academy and participated in wars in Morocco, Cuba, and the Philippines. In 1919, he was appointed captain general of Valencia, Madrid, and Catalonia. In 1923, he led a coup, ending the constitutional system of the Restoration. Supported by King Alfonso XIII, he ruled with full powers but failed to perpetuate his rule. He resigned in January 1930 and died in exile in Paris.
Tragic Week
Events in Barcelona in July 1909. Following the deployment of troops to Morocco, a popular riot led to violence. Masses stormed and burned convents and churches. The government declared martial law and sent the army to suppress the uprising, causing several deaths. The anarchist Francisco Ferrer was tried and executed, leading to the fall of Maura’s government.
April 1, 1939
General Franco announced the end of the Civil War, stating that the “Red Army” was captive and disarmed. Madrid had been occupied in late March, and with Franco’s troops reaching the east coast, the war, which began in 1936, ended. A period of hardship began for the defeated who left Spain.
UCD
Unión de Centro Democrático. A political party founded in 1977 from the Coalition of the Democratic Centre. It included former Franco supporters, conservatives, democrats, liberals, and social democrats. Its most prominent leader was Adolfo Suarez; Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo succeeded him. Its goal was to develop democratic reform in Spain, winning the 1977 and 1979 elections. Due to weak cohesion, it dissolved after 1981, disappearing after the 1982 electoral defeat.