Reign of Ferdinand VII: Absolutism, Liberalism, and Dynastic Conflict in 19th Century Spain
The Reign of Ferdinand VII (1814-1833)
The Restoration of Absolutism (1814-1820)
Distrustful of King Ferdinand VII, liberals sought his acceptance of the Constitution. Fearing their demands, Ferdinand initially complied. However, seeing an opportunity to restore the old regime, he annulled the Constitution on May 4, 1814, reinstating absolutism and the Inquisition. The Congress of Vienna and the Holy Alliance further solidified his position. Ferdinand’s attempts to rebuild the war-torn nation by restoring old institutions failed. Economic hardship, loss of life, and the changing mindset of the populace fueled discontent, with the peasantry and much of the bourgeoisie demanding a return to constitutional rule.
The Three-Year Liberal Period (1820-1823)
On January 1, 1820, Rafael del Riego’s revolt, coupled with the army’s passivity and liberal actions in major cities, forced Ferdinand VII to accept the Constitution. A new government and Cortes (parliament) were formed. Liberal deputies enacted legislation restoring Cadiz reforms, including freedom of industry, abolition of guilds and primogeniture, and sale of monastic lands. Tax reforms, a new criminal code, and political modernization initiatives were implemented. However, these reforms faced opposition from the monarchy and discontent from peasants who did not gain land access. Tensions rose between moderate and extremist liberals, further destabilizing the Trienio.
The Ominous Decade (1823-1833)
The Holy Alliance’s intervention led to the French invasion (Hundred Thousand Sons of St. Louis), restoring Ferdinand VII’s absolute rule. Despite calls for moderate reforms, Ferdinand cracked down on liberals. The loss of American colonies created economic difficulties. From 1825, moderate economic policies under López Ballesteros increased distrust among royalists, who gathered around the king’s brother, Carlos.
Dynastic Conflict
The birth of Ferdinand’s daughter in 1830 sparked a succession crisis. Salic law prevented female rulers, but Ferdinand, influenced by his wife, annulled it. Carlists, supporters of the old regime, opposed this, pressuring the ailing king to reinstate Salic law in 1832. Maria Cristina, seeking to secure her daughter’s throne, sought liberal support. Appointed regent, she formed a reformist government. Upon Ferdinand VII’s death in 1833, Don Carlos was proclaimed king, setting the stage for further conflict.