Liberalism in Spain: Cadiz, Constitution of 1812, and the Triennium
The Introduction of Liberalism in Spain
Cortes of Cadiz and the Constitution of 1812
The liberal ideology is characterized by the rejection of absolutism, the embrace of national sovereignty, the defense of individual freedoms, equality before the law, and the right to private property.
The first attempt at liberalism occurred in the Cortes of Cadiz, made up of clerics, lawyers, officials, soldiers, academics, and landowners, where the first liberal constitution was created. In Cadiz, the Supreme Central Board of Regency allowed three members to call for elections by universal male suffrage and admitted twelve American representatives. These courts were declared representatives of the members of the nation. Their main objectives were to create a constitution and dismantle the laws of the old regime.
The Constitution represented a political break with the old regime, and the decrees of the courts represented a social breakdown and the elimination of the economic and legal foundations of estate society. Feudal rights were removed, as were the Inquisition, the Mesta, torture, and purity of blood tests. Freedom of the press and work were proclaimed, and there were no guilds. The seizure of Church property began, and private property became the property of its owners, the king, and municipal property. The Constitution recognized the Catholic religion as the official religion, national sovereignty, separation of powers, independent courts, political rights, civil liberties, freedom of the press, and the right to property. The constitutional monarchy was hereditary, and the king could not be judged. Male suffrage was selected. The Constitution was inspired by the French constitution, and other Spanish constitutions were inspired by it.
Liberalism did not last long because Fernando VII returned to Spain after the defeat of Napoleon in 1814 and proclaimed the first restoration (1814-1820). He restored absolutism and tried to improve it by combining the old with the new. At the Congress of Vienna, Spain’s contribution to the defeat of Napoleon was not recognized, and France was required to pay compensation for war damages. Only a portion of the treasures were returned, and the king created the Museo del Prado.
Fernando VII’s Reign and the Restoration of Absolutism
Fernando VII revoked the 1812 Constitution and the courts and restored absolutism, fulfilling everything the absolutists had asked for in the “Manifesto of the Persians,” except the call for new Cortes. The afrancesados and liberals were repressed and migrated to France and England. The liberal media of conspiracy were secret societies and pronouncements. José I conducted a purge of officials.
Seven years passed, marked by the ruin of the war, the collapse of domestic production, unemployment, and the loss of the colonial market, as Spain became a second-rate power.
The Liberal Triennium (1820-1823)
General Riego rebelled, taking advantage of this situation and the army intended to defend America. He spoke to Fernando VII, imposing the Constitution of 1812, which led to the Liberal Triennium (1820-1823). Because of this, patriotic societies arose in Spain: clubs that met in cafes, theaters, and homes where they spoke, read newspapers, and made speeches with a revolutionary tone. Secret societies also emerged, including the Freemasons, whose principles were based on the love of truth, devotion, and religious tolerance. In Spain, Freemasonry had an anticlerical and secular character. Freemasonry became the guarantor of the revolution, and senior government officials joined it.
The National Militia
The Constitution established the National Militia, a force of armed civilians whose aim was to defend the new constitutional order, which came into action in 1820 with the Liberal Triennium. Its leaders were the most radical and were recruited among men aged 30-50 years. Gradually, it became a local force, recruited and paid for by the municipalities and county councils. At first, it was formed by landowners, artisans, and members of the professions; later, it extended to the popular classes. The militia was the instrument of the progressives’ purposes. It was deleted by the moderates when they came to power and became the Civil Guard.
The new government declared freedom of the press, abolishing the Inquisition, the Jesuit order, and all other military orders, and many monasteries were closed.
Liberals began to divide into two factions: the moderates, who were supporters of the king, and the exalted, who believed in the national military. Fernando VII sought help from Europe and sent the 100,000 Sons of St. Louis, who restored his absolutist rule.