Spain’s Liberal Triennium (1820-1823): A Period of Constitutional Rule
Spain’s Liberal Triennium (1820-1823)
Ferdinand VII’s Reign: Three Distinct Periods
The reign of Ferdinand VII is marked by three distinct periods:
- Six years of absolutism (1814-1820), from his return from France until the revolution of 1820.
- The Liberal Triennium (1820-1823), a period of constitutional rule ending with the intervention of the Hundred Thousand Sons of St. Louis.
- The Ominous Decade (1823-1833), a return to absolutism lasting until Ferdinand VII’s death.
Absolutism and the Return of Ferdinand VII
Upon his return in 1814, Ferdinand VII annulled the 1812 Constitution enacted by the Cortes of Cádiz, restoring the institutions of the ancien régime. Liberal reformers fled into exile, primarily to England, or joined opposition groups, including secret societies like the Freemasons. Ferdinand VII’s government, influenced by a powerful cabal, focused on purging officials who had collaborated with the French and suppressing liberal conspiracies (Mina, 1814; Porlier, 1815; Triangle, 1816; Lacy & Milans, 1817; Vidal, 1819).
The Revolution of 1820 and the Liberal Triennium
On January 1, 1820, Rafael del Riego led a military revolt, refusing to embark for America. Unable to quell the uprising, Ferdinand VII was forced to accept the 1812 Constitution, ushering in the Liberal Triennium. Constitutional governments, facing financial difficulties exacerbated by the War of Independence and the loss of American revenues, initiated reforms, including those affecting the Church and its properties. This led to widespread discontent and peasant uprisings.
The Intervention of the Holy Alliance and the Ominous Decade
Ferdinand VII appealed to the Holy Alliance (Austria, Prussia, Russia, France) for help against the liberals. In 1823, the Hundred Thousand Sons of St. Louis, a French army, intervened in Spain, restoring Ferdinand VII to absolute power. This marked the beginning of the Ominous Decade. Despite the challenges, the Liberal Triennium fostered liberal ideas that would influence Spain throughout the 19th century.