19th Century Spain: History, Monarchy, and Romanticism
Historical Context: 19th Century Spain
The 19th century in Spain was marked by decadence, as well as ideological confrontations and social conflicts. In Europe, liberal ideas sparked many revolutions, which sought to annul the old regime’s economy. The Industrial Revolution was underway, and the bourgeoisie was threatened by the new class, thereafter known as the proletariat.
Three important dates:
- 1808: Start of the War of Independence
- 1868: Deposition of Isabella II
- 1898: Loss of Spain’s Atlantic colonies
Spanish Monarchy: Regnal Succession
Under Charles IV, the opposition between tradition and reform sharpened. The country continued to be marked by confrontation between conservatives and liberals, whose actions would lead the country into continued conflict. There were four main types of liberalism:
- Individualism
- Limitation of state power and defense of universal suffrage
- Assertion of human rights
- Faith in technical progress
Reign of Ferdinand VII
The reign of Ferdinand VII opened with rigid absolutism, lasting six years, followed by the Liberal Triennium.
Reign of Isabella II
The reign of Isabella II began with confrontation between traditionalists and liberals, giving rise to the First Carlist War. Political tensions continued, ending with Isabella II’s dethronement in the Revolution of 1868.
Spain was seen by the world as an immature country, rapidly assimilating political, social, and cultural doctrines from abroad. By mid-century, Spain had 15 million inhabitants. Education was minimal, leading to a mass of illiterates. The railway arrived, and there were efforts at industrialization, though inadequate compared to the rest of Europe.
The Origins of Romanticism
Romanticism was not simply a literary current, but a literary, cultural, and political movement that affected all of Europe. It was based on a profound dissatisfaction with reality and with prevailing bourgeois values.
By the end of the 18th century, this school of thought, which began to be called Pre-Romanticism, had started. This movement arose from the realization that humans are not only rational but also possess feelings and emotions. Most importantly, it marked the beginning of human awareness of the right to freedom. The slogan of this era, as expressed by Larra, was: “Freedom in literature, arts, commerce, and science.”
Liberal Romanticism (Duke of Rivas & Zorrilla)
The dissatisfaction of the Romantic individual with the reality around them could lead them in two opposing directions:
- Traditional Romanticism: Turning their eyes to the past, it was idealistic and nostalgic, defending Christianity, monarchy, and country.
- Liberal Romanticism: Looking to the future, it was progressive and rebellious towards literary society.
The Romantic Mentality
- Subjectivism and Individualism: Feelings and desires dominate literature. The yearning for freedom becomes paramount. The ideals of love acquire tragic overtones as they face insurmountable barriers or an unattainable ideal. However, it is also presented as an inevitable force to which humanity tends.
- Projection onto Nature: As a result of subjective dominance, writers naturally look to the landscape as a refuge. The landscape reflects their tormented moods. Dark environments are preferred.
- Clash with Reality: Romantic idealism produces a conflict between wishes and reality, which creates disappointment, distress, and anguish. To avoid present circumstances, Romantics evaded into the past and exotic places, sometimes leading to suicide.
- The Supernatural and Mysterious: Death, burials, and night scenes are very frequent in Romantic literature. Romantics are attracted by everything that reason cannot explain. The world and destiny are an enigma to which no single answer is given.
- Popular and National: Romantics embraced what was native to their environment and interpreted them as literary manifestations. Genres include historical novels, romances, and legends. They exalted language and the landscape, contributing to the movement of nationalism and regionalism.
- Mixture of Genres: Favorite genres for Romantics are lyrical and dramatic, as they allow for the expression of feelings. In prose, a new genre emerged: opinion journalism. It’s important to remember that this was a time of mixed genres.
- Styles: Romanticism uses a rhetorical style.