19th Century Spain: Wars, Revolutions, and Constitutions
Causes of Independence
- Diffusion of Enlightenment ideas and principles of freedom and equality promoted by the French Revolution.
- Success of British colonies’ independence, which ended with the creation of the U.S.
- Discontent of the native bourgeoisie, who saw Spain as an obstacle to the American economy.
Carlist War
After the death of Ferdinand VII, his heiress Isabel was 3 years old. To defend the rights of his daughter, Maria Cristina (regent) sought the support of liberals. This initiated a civil war. Supporters of the Carlist cause defended the old regime: absolute monarchy, social prominence, and traditional forms of property. The Elizabethans had a cluster of interests. The monarchy and the court nobility had an interest in the defense of the throne and their privileges. The war dragged on for six years. The major foci emerged in the Basque Country, Valencia, Navarra, Aragon, and Catalonia.
War of Independence
On May 2, 1808, the people of Madrid rose up against the French troops. Boards were created to conduct resistance, coordinated by a central board, while groups of patriots organized guerrillas and refused to surrender against the French. The wear of the invading force also influenced the outcome. The tide of war turned in 1812 when the Russian campaign forced Napoleon to move troops there. It was decisive for the French in 1813, leading them to leave Spanish territory. The same year, the Treaty of Valençay was signed.
Democratic Sexenio
a) Overview: Over six years, Spain attempted to construct a democratic system. This meant overcoming liberalism and introducing democratic principles: universal suffrage, political rights, and social reforms.
b) Revolution of 1868: Since 1866, there had been a severe economic crisis coupled with the wear of the Elizabethan regime’s policy, which unleashed a revolution against the monarchy. The rebels were excluded from power: Unionists, Progressives, and Democrats, who joined to create an alternative in the Pact of Ostend. The movement, led by the military figures Prim and Serrano, erupted in September 1868 with the revolt of the fleet in Cadiz under Topete. A provisional government headed by Prim and Serrano was formed, urging a reform program. Fundamental rights were recognized, and universal male suffrage was finally established. A new court was elected, which approved the democratic Constitution of 1869.
Concepts
- Mutiny: Revolt against constituted authority.
- Criollo: Middle-class whites born in America.
- Simon Bolivar: Venezuelan soldier and politician who contributed to the end of the American empire and founded Gran Colombia.
- San Martin: Contributed to the independence of Chile.
- Civil War: Confrontation between absolutists and liberals.
- Salic Law: Women could only inherit the throne in the absence of male heirs.
- The Glorious: Spanish revolutionary upheaval that took place in September 1868.
Important Dates
- 1808: Napoleonic invasion
- 1808 to 1826: Independence of the American colonies
- 1812: Constitution of Cadiz
- 1833 to 1840: Carlist War
- 1845: Constitution
- 1869: Constitution
- 1872 to 1876: Third Carlist War
- 1876: Constitution
- 1895 to 1898: War of Cuba and the Philippines