Spanish Liberalism: War of Independence and Cadiz Cortes
How Liberalism Took Hold in Spain
After Ferdinand VII’s death, a succession war erupted. Carlos María Isidro, Ferdinand’s brother, claimed the throne, backed by absolutists.
Isabella, Ferdinand’s daughter, was the legitimate Queen. Liberals supported her on the condition that she would establish liberalism upon winning the war. She won, and liberalism was subsequently established.
The War of Independence Explained
The war spanned from 1808 to 1814. Key factors included the Treaty of Fontainebleau, the Mutiny of Aranjuez, the Abdications of Bayonne, and the installation of José Bonaparte as King of Spain. The conflict pitted the Afrancesados (Spanish liberals, French forces, and a segment of the population) against the Ferdinos (Spanish liberals, absolutists, forces from Great Britain and Portugal, and the remaining population who supported absolutist despotism).
In 1808, popular resistance emerged in Bailén (Guerrilla warfare). From 1808 to 1812, a French offensive met resistance from Russia. Between 1812 and 1814, Anglo-Spanish forces, led by General Wellington, secured victories, notably at the Battle of Arapiles.
The Treaty of Valençay marked the war’s conclusion.
The Cadiz Cortes
Local and provincial juntas resisted the invasion and established a legislative government.
These juntas formed a central Supreme Junta, which evolved into the Cortes de Cadiz. In 1812, this body created a constitution that enshrined:
- National sovereignty
- Liberal progressive ideology
- Separation of powers (executive led by the King and ministers)
- Legislative power through universal male indirect suffrage
- Freedom of the press
- Rights to property, inviolability of the home, and equality before the law
- A confessional state (Catholicism)
How Liberalism Took Hold in Spain
After Ferdinand VII’s death, a succession war erupted. Carlos María Isidro, Ferdinand’s brother, claimed the throne, backed by absolutists.
Isabella, Ferdinand’s daughter, was the legitimate Queen. Liberals supported her on the condition that she would establish liberalism upon winning the war. She won, and liberalism was subsequently established.
The War of Independence Explained
The war spanned from 1808 to 1814. Key factors included the Treaty of Fontainebleau, the Mutiny of Aranjuez, the Abdications of Bayonne, and the installation of José Bonaparte as King of Spain. The conflict pitted the Afrancesados (Spanish liberals, French forces, and a segment of the population) against the Ferdinos (Spanish liberals, absolutists, forces from Great Britain and Portugal, and the remaining population who supported absolutist despotism).
In 1808, popular resistance emerged in Bailén (Guerrilla warfare). From 1808 to 1812, a French offensive met resistance from Russia. Between 1812 and 1814, Anglo-Spanish forces, led by General Wellington, secured victories, notably at the Battle of Arapiles.
The Treaty of Valençay marked the war’s conclusion.
The Cadiz Cortes
Local and provincial juntas resisted the invasion and established a legislative government.
These juntas formed a central Supreme Junta, which evolved into the Cortes de Cadiz. In 1812, this body created a constitution that enshrined:
- National sovereignty
- Liberal progressive ideology
- Separation of powers (executive led by the King and ministers)
- Legislative power through universal male indirect suffrage
- Freedom of the press
- Rights to property, inviolability of the home, and equality before the law
- A confessional state (Catholicism)