The Spanish War of Independence: Key Events and Impacts
The Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814)
Guerra Independencia (May 2, 1808): Charles IV left the government in the hands of Godoy. Godoy’s relationship with France changed after the execution of King Louis XVI, leading to Spain’s incorporation into the first anti-French coalition in 1795. Godoy shifted foreign policy, resulting in a series of events that can be considered the background to the war:
- Spain and France vs. Britain, leading to the Treaty of San Ildefonso (1796-1800)
- Destruction of the Franco-Spanish fleet at Trafalgar (1805)
- Signature of the Treaty of Fontainebleau (1807), allowing French troops into Portugal
A group of courtiers against Godoy caused the conspiracy of the Escorial. Godoy transferred the royal family to Seville to take them to America, which sparked the Mutiny of Aranjuez that put King Ferdinand VII in power. Charles IV and Ferdinand VII were taken to Bayonne and resigned the throne to Joseph Bonaparte, who ruled Spain due to the Francophiles.
Phases of the War
The Spanish army achieved a significant victory at Bailén. However, after this, Napoleon returned to Spain and gained control of the entire peninsula. The help of the British, led by Wellington, forced the French to withdraw in 1814.
Liberal Revolution and the Constitution of 1812
The creation of provisional governments, known as Boards, filled the power vacuum caused by Napoleon. The most important was the Central Board, which opposed Joseph Bonaparte. The government took refuge in Cadiz, where two representatives emerged:
- Liberals who aimed to end the old regime
- Absolutists who demanded the return of the king and the former government
On March 19, 1812, the Cortes of Cadiz enacted the first Spanish constitution, which included a series of laws such as the abolition of noble privileges and the recognition of freedoms. The promulgation of the Constitution marked the end of the structures of the old regime.
Setbacks for Liberalism
Ferdinand VII returned in 1814, initiating the Sexenio Absolutista (1814-1820). Some absolute supporters defended the king and attacked the legislation of the Cortes. The king declared the constitution null and void, along with the laws of the Cortes of Cadiz.
Liberal Triennium (1820-1823)
In 1820, troops gathered to combat the independence movement, leading to a brief success for liberalism. However, this period faced various difficulties, including:
- An economic crisis
- Division among liberal moderates and radicals
- The independence movements in Spanish America
Ferdinand appealed to the Holy Alliance, achieving the restoration of absolutism.
Return to Absolutism (1823-1833)
Ferdinand abolished all reforms from the Liberal Triennium. The succession problem arose when Ferdinand struck down the Salic Law, and the birth of his daughter Elizabeth created a divide between two factions: liberals who supported Elizabeth and absolutist supporters of Carlos Maria Isidro, leading to the Carlist Wars.
Causes of the Independence of Spanish America
- Diffusion of ideas from the French Revolution
- Discontent among the native bourgeoisie
- Support from Britain and the United States
- The Monroe Doctrine, which prevented European intervention in America
- Situations of conflict and international weakness of Spain
Economic and Social Context
The developing economy was hindered by:
- Wars against France
- Decreased agricultural production
- Crises in traditional industries
- Loss of monopoly in America