The Crisis of the Ancien Régime in Spain (1808-1833)
The Fall of the Ancien Régime
In 1789, the French Revolution marked the beginning of the end for the Ancien Régime across Europe. In Spain, this period of upheaval lasted from 1808 to 1833.
The Ancien Régime: Characterized by feudalism and absolutism.
The decline of the Ancien Régime in Spain began in 1808, coinciding with the French invasion and the death of Ferdinand VII.
The Reign of Ferdinand VII
Ferdinand VII’s reign was marked by political instability, alternating between periods of absolutism and liberalism:
- 6 years of absolutism
- 3 years of liberalism
- 10 years of absolutism
This back-and-forth reflected a deep political divide within Spain. Upon Ferdinand VII’s death in 1833, his wife Maria Cristina seized power and allied with the Liberals to counter the Absolutists who sought to crown Ferdinand’s brother, Carlos V.
The Rise of the Liberal State
The Liberal State: A new form of government based on liberal principles.
Key features of the Liberal State:
- Division of powers
- National sovereignty (power residing in the people)
- Census suffrage (voting rights based on property ownership)
- Recognition of individual rights and duties
These principles were a stark departure from the Ancien Régime. Liberals advocated for codifying these principles in a legal document: The Constitution.
Economic Liberalism:
- Liberals championed a unified market with minimal state intervention.
- They were strong defenders of private property, which had previously been largely controlled by the feudal system.
The Construction of the Liberal State (1833-1874)
Liberalism, as a political ideology, emerged in the 18th century. Within liberalism, different factions existed:
- Moderate Liberals: Supported a significant role for the King, limited government intervention, and census suffrage. They were the dominant faction during the reign of Isabel II.
- Progressive Liberals: Advocated for greater individual rights and more extensive government involvement.
- Democrats and Republicans: Favored universal suffrage, a more expansive government role than the Moderates and Progressives.
Moderate Liberals, Progressive Liberals, and Democrats were monarchists who supported a constitutional monarchy.
Republicans, on the other hand, opposed the monarchy.
Moderate Liberals, Progressive Liberals, and Democrats were centralists, advocating for a centralized administrative system.
Republicans favored administrative decentralization.
Social and Political Divisions
In the 19th century, different social classes aligned with specific political ideologies:
- The bourgeoisie embraced liberalism.
- The aristocracy and the Church remained largely absolutist.
Within the bourgeoisie, there were further divisions:
- The upper bourgeoisie tended to be Moderate Liberals.
- The middle class leaned towards Progressive Liberalism.
- The petty bourgeoisie aligned with the Democrats.
Alongside liberalism, nationalism also emerged as a significant force in the 19th century.
With the fall of absolutism in 1833, the absolutists never regained power, although they made attempts to do so.
The French War (1808-1814)
The French War pitted Napoleonic France against Spain. Initially, Spain was ruled by Charles IV, but he abdicated in favor of his son, Ferdinand VII, shortly before the war began.
In early 1808, France, under Napoleon, invaded Spain with the aim of conquering the Iberian Peninsula. Napoleon’s ambition was to expand French influence across Europe and impose liberal reforms.
Napoleon’s forces occupied a large portion of Spain and installed his brother, Joseph Bonaparte, as king.
The Spanish government, along with Ferdinand VII, fled to Cadiz, which became the capital of unoccupied Spain. Madrid, under French control, became the capital of the “afrancesada” Spain.
The Cortes (parliament) convened in Cadiz with two main objectives: to continue the war effort and to draft a constitution.
The Cortes of Cadiz was composed mainly of the aristocracy, the bourgeoisie, and the Church. While the aristocracy and the Church were reluctant to dismantle the Ancien Régime, the bourgeoisie pushed for liberal reforms. The pressures of war forced them to reach a compromise and create a constitution.
The Spanish Constitution of 1812
The Spanish Constitution of 1812, the first of its kind in Spain, was promulgated in the name of Ferdinand VII, who, despite being an absolutist, was used as a figurehead by the Liberals in exile.
Features of the 1812 Constitution
The 1812 Constitution was a moderate liberal document, reflecting the compromises made during its drafting.
Key Features:
- Contributory Equality: Wealth and social status determined political influence.
- Government: Moderate hereditary monarchy.
- Legislative Power: Cortes (parliament) and the King. The Cortes was composed of elected representatives (census suffrage). The King had veto power, which could be overridden by the Cortes.
- Executive Power: The King.
- Judicial Power: The courts.
- Census Suffrage: Only property owners could vote or be elected.
- Administrative Centralization: Aimed to create a unified administrative system.
- Uniform Education: Establishment of a national education system.
Moderate Liberals and Progressive Liberals sought to create a strong, centralized state with uniform laws, currency, and language.