Reign of Ferdinand VII: Absolutism, Liberalism, and Succession
Stages of Ferdinand VII’s Reign
1. The Absolutist Sexennium (1814-1820)
Following the Peninsular War, Spain saw a restoration of the Old Regime. The Cadiz Constitution was abolished, and absolutism was reinstated. Those who opposed this were exiled, imprisoned, or purged from public office. The king, advised by a close circle, ruled according to his will, amidst a backdrop of economic ruin and conspiracies.
2. The Constitutional Triennium (1820-1823)
After the successful pronouncement of Riego, the 1812 Constitution was restored. However, this period was marked by political division between moderate and radical liberals. The government, initially moderate, faced challenges from the exaltados (radicals). Meanwhile, absolutists began organizing to regain power. Economic hardship and political instability led to the king seeking intervention from the Holy Alliance. In 1823, a French army, the ‘Hundred Thousand Sons of Saint Louis’, invaded Spain, restoring absolutism.
3. The Ominous Decade (1823-1833)
Absolutism was reimposed: the Constitution abolished, liberals persecuted, the Inquisition restored, and monastic orders revived. Liberal attempts to overthrow the regime failed, as did ultra-royalist plots. The succession became a central issue after Ferdinand VII’s third marriage to Maria Christina of Naples and the birth of their daughter, Isabel, in 1830. The king issued the Pragmatic Sanction, abolishing the Salic Law and allowing female succession. This sparked conflict with supporters of the king’s brother, Carlos María Isidro. In 1832, with the king ill, a palace revolution led to Maria Cristina assuming power and an amnesty for liberals. Upon Ferdinand VII’s death in 1833, absolutism ended, paving the way for the Carlist Wars and the eventual triumph of liberalism.