Reign of Ferdinand VII: Absolutism vs. Liberalism in Spain
Fernando VII: Restoration of the Old Regime
Following the War of Independence, Ferdinand VII returned to Spain and reinstated the Old Regime. His reign (1814-1833) was marked by conflict between liberalism and absolutism, amidst the gradual dismantling of the ancien régime.
The First Absolutist Restoration
Initially welcomed, Ferdinand VII quickly restored his absolute power, annulling the constitution and dissolving the Cortes. The Manifesto of the Persians, supported by General Elio, urged the reintroduction of the Old Regime. Consequently, the king issued a decree on May 4, nullifying all agreements made in Cadiz.
Ferdinand VII reinstated councils, the Inquisition, stately jurisdiction, and privileges, while suspending disentailment measures.
Political and Economic Problems
- Instability and inefficiency in government due to constant ministerial changes.
- Deepening financial crisis exacerbated by war and colonial emancipation.
Liberal Opposition and Pronouncements
Liberals, including military leaders and Freemasons, utilized secret societies and military coups (pronouncements) to advocate for reforms.
The Liberal Triennium (1820-1823)
Lt. Col. Rafael de Riego’s successful revolt in 1820 forced Ferdinand VII to swear allegiance to the 1812 Constitution.
Interim Board and Liberal Government
The provisional board reinstated the 1812 Constitution, abolished the Inquisition and feudal regime, revived seizure, and reduced tithing. They also introduced the General Rules of Public Instruction, the first Criminal Code, and a new provincial division.
Patriotic societies emerged, fostering public debate and a free press. The National Militia was established to defend the Constitution.
Division of Liberals
Liberals split into moderates and exalted, leading to internal clashes.
Absolutist Opposition
Absolutists, led by Ferdinand VII, the nobility, clergy, and peasantry, opposed the liberal regime under the motto “God, country, and king.”
The Liberal Triennium ended with the intervention of the Hundred Thousand Sons of St. Louis, a French expedition supported by the Verona Congress, restoring Ferdinand VII’s absolute power.
The Absolute Decade (1823-1833)
This period saw the return of absolutism, abolition of liberal legislation, and repression of liberals. However, it evolved towards moderate reformism.
Return of Absolutism and Repression
Ferdinand VII established the Volunteers Realistic and retained French garrisons to suppress liberalism. Many liberals were exiled or executed.
Economic and Administrative Reforms
Financial problems persisted due to war and colonial loss. Reforms included a general state budget, a new Commercial Code, a Court of Auditors, the Bolsa de Madrid, and the Banco de San Fernando (later the Bank of Spain). New institutions like the Council of Ministers and Development were created.
Ultra-Absolutist Reaction
Reactionary factions opposed reforms, leading to conspiracies and revolts like the Revolt of the Victims in Catalonia, a precursor to the Carlist Wars.
Succession Issue
Ferdinand VII’s death in 1833 triggered a succession crisis. He abolished the Salic Law to allow his daughter Isabella to reign, challenging his brother Carlos María Isidro’s claim. This led to the Carlist Wars, with Carlists defending absolutism and Isabelinos (Elizabethans) defending liberalism.