Ferdinand VII’s Reign & Spanish American Independence

Posted on Dec 3, 2024 in History

Ferdinand VII: Absolutism and Liberalism

The Emancipation of Spanish America

The reign of Ferdinand VII (1814-1833) was marked by a constant struggle between liberals and absolutists, with the latter holding power for most of the period. This era can be divided into three distinct phases:

First Period: The Six-Year Absolutist Period (1814-1820)

With the return of Ferdinand VII, absolutism was restored. The Constitution of 1812 was repealed, governing bodies were dissolved, and liberal socio-economic reforms were halted. This restoration was facilitated by the international context of the Restoration and the inherent weaknesses of the prior liberal regime.

  • Seigneurial jurisdictions were reinstated, exacerbating the existing agricultural and economic crisis.
  • Tax collection from the wealthy became increasingly difficult, worsening the bankruptcy of the treasury.
  • The American colonies began their fight for independence, further diminishing Spain’s resources and income.
  • Liberals, persecuted for their beliefs, attempted to reinstate the 1812 Constitution through pronouncements and secret societies.
  • On January 1, 1820, Lieutenant Colonel Riego’s successful uprising in favor of the Cortes of Cádiz and the 1812 Constitution ushered in the second period.

Second Period: The Liberal Triennium (1820-1823)

  • In March 1820, Ferdinand VII swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of 1812.
  • Public debate resumed through the press and patriotic societies.
  • The economic and social legislation passed by the Liberals between 1810 and 1814 was reinstated.
  • Disentailment measures were implemented, contributing to a model of agricultural growth.
  • Liberalism began to split into two factions: moderates, who believed the 1812 Constitution needed reform, and extremists, who defended the Constitution in its entirety and sought radical change.
  • Absolutist opposition, supported by the Holy Alliance, grew. In 1823, the Hundred Thousand Sons of Saint Louis army was sent by the Holy Alliance, restoring Ferdinand VII to absolute power.

Third Period: The Absolutist Decade (1823-1833)

  • Internal opposition to absolutism emerged, including the ultra-royalists.
  • The War of the Malcontents (1827) in Catalonia, an armed uprising of peasants and artisans funded by ultra-royalists and the clergy, challenged the regime.
  • The dynastic question arose in 1830 when Ferdinand VII issued the Pragmatic Sanction, repealing the Salic Law and allowing female succession to the throne.
  • Liberals continued to oppose absolutism through pronouncements, but these ultimately failed.
  • Colonial rebellions persisted, resulting in the loss of all colonies except Cuba and Puerto Rico.
  • Ferdinand VII sought foreign loans from new capitalists in England and France to address the financial crisis.

The Emancipation of the American Colonies

The emancipation of the Spanish colonies in America began during Ferdinand VII’s reign.

Causes

  • The 1808 political crisis created a power vacuum, leaving a void in governance and control.
  • The influence of liberal ideas and successful independence movements (e.g., the United States in 1776 and Haiti in 1804) inspired colonial aspirations for autonomy.
  • Fiscal and administrative reforms in the late 18th century, aimed at regaining control over the colonies, limited their growth and fueled discontent.
  • Creole elites felt discriminated against by Spanish officials who held most positions of power.

Development

  • The 1808 crisis led to the formation of juntas in America, some loyal to Ferdinand VII and others advocating for independence.
  • In May 1810, separatists seized power in Buenos Aires, setting in motion an unstoppable drive for independence.
  • Similar attempts occurred in Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia between 1810 and 1814, with varying degrees of success.
  • From 1814 onward, independence leaders like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín adapted their strategies, promising the emancipation of slaves and gaining support from Britain.

Consequences

  • Spain’s weakened political and economic state hindered its ability to control the independence process.
  • The decisive defeat at Ayacucho (Peru) in 1824 marked the end of Spanish dominance, leaving only Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines under its control.
  • Newly independent countries fell under the economic influence of Britain and, later, the United States.