The Crisis of 1808: Independence War and Liberal Revolution

Posted on Apr 1, 2025 in History

The Crisis of 1808: War and Revolution

The Crisis of 1808 encompasses a series of pivotal events: the exile of the Bourbon dynasty, the War of Independence, and the onset of liberal policies.

Causes of the Crisis

A) International Status

The period was marked by the cycle of wars stemming from the French Revolution:

  1. Against Revolutionary France: Ended with the Peace of Basel in 1796.
  2. Against the UK: Trafalgar, 1805.
  3. Alliance: Treaty of Fontainebleau, 1807 with Napoleon.

B) Economic Crisis

  1. Need to raise taxes due to military spending.
  2. Loss of monopoly of trade with America after the Peace of Basel.
  3. Poor crops leading to a subsistence crisis.

C) Political Crisis

  1. Disrepute of the king due to defeats and private affairs, involving Godoy and Maria Luisa of Parma.
  2. Growing opposition from the nobility and clergy against tax and confiscation projects by Godoy.
  3. Maneuvers regarding the future of Ferdinand VII, including a complaint to his colleagues that was discovered.
  4. Discontent with the behavior of the French army in Spain.
  5. The Aranjuez Mutiny (March 17-19, 1808): A popular revolt in the town of Aranjuez leading to the imprisonment of Godoy, the abdication of Charles IV, and his replacement by his son Ferdinand VII.

The War of Independence and the Start of the Liberal Revolution

This was a civil and international conflict that divided the country into two factions: Spanish patriots, supporters of Ferdinand VII with the backing of Britain and Portugal, and the *afrancesados*, Spanish supporters of Joseph I, backed by France.

Causes: The Power Vacuum After May 2

Following the mutiny of Aranjuez, Napoleon summoned the royal family to Bayonne. On May 2, 1808, in Madrid, the people revolted against the French army to prevent the departure of the infant Francisco from the Royal Palace. Authorities did not support the people, who were massacred. The mayor of Móstoles was the first authority to declare war on the French.

The Spanish Division After the Abdications of Bayonne

Napoleon forced Charles IV and Ferdinand VII to renounce their rights as King of Spain in favor of Napoleon (May 5-10), who then handed the crown to his brother Joseph. This divided the Spanish population.

Key Stages of the War

1. Patriot Victories Until Late 1808

Key victories included battles at El Bruc and Bailén.

2. French Superiority Until 1811

  • By the end of 1808, Napoleon himself traveled to Spain and militarily crushed the patriot armies. The French dominated most of the territory.
  • Guerrilla warfare: Patriot resistance organized guerrilla tactics because they were outmatched in open battle by the French military superiority.

3. 1812-1813: Patriot Victories with British Allies

  • Napoleon withdrew forces due to his invasion of Russia.
  • The British army, led by General Wellington, attacked from Portugal.
  • The Treaty of Valencia between Napoleon and Ferdinand VII allowed for the return of Ferdinand as King of Spain.

Implications

On the French side, supporters included people of enlightened reform, intellectuals, and senior officials who sought political change without the risks of a popular revolution, relying on the French army. On the patriot side, the population (absolutists, enlightened thinkers, and liberals) resisted the invaders and jointly organized the first constitution in Cadiz in 1812. The power vacuum favored the independence of American colonies.