Old Regime to Liberalism: Key Transformations in Spanish History

Posted on Aug 2, 2025 in Geography

The Old Regime vs. Liberalism: A Comparative Analysis

Political Systems

  • Old Regime: Sovereignty of the king, divine origin, absolute power. Systems: absolute monarchy, enlightened despotism.
  • Liberalism: National sovereignty, constitution, separation of powers. System: parliamentary monarchy, republic.

Social Structures

  • Old Regime: Stratified society, separation by birth. Privileged nobility and clergy, unprivileged common people (Third Estate).
  • Liberalism: Class society, separation according to wealth. Classes: high, medium, and low.

Demographic Trends

  • Old Regime: High birth and mortality rates, poor population growth.
  • Liberalism (Demographic Transition): Decreased fertility and mortality, increased population growth.

Economic Models

  • Old Regime: Rural economy, mercantilism.
  • Liberalism: Liberal capitalist economy, industrialization.

Understanding the Old Regime

The Old Regime refers to the traditional ways of governance in most European states that prevailed in the eighteenth century, with the exceptions of Holland and the United Kingdom. Its political origins began in the Middle Ages, evolving by the eighteenth century into what is known as absolute monarchy.

Key Characteristics of the Old Regime

The Old Regime is identified by three main characteristics:

1. Political Organization and Crown Sovereignty

  • Crown Sovereignty: The exclusive ability of the king to make decisions in public affairs; the king is the sovereign.
  • The State’s Assets: The assets and property belong to the Crown.
  • Absolute Royal Power: The king’s power is absolute; his authority is above the law.
  • Seigniorial Administration: Territorial administration depended on the seigniorial regime, meaning some public lands remained in the hands of the clergy and nobility.

2. Social Organization by Estates

This system perpetuated the privileged position of a powerful minority. Society was divided into three estates:

  • Clergy: Enjoyed special laws, tax exemptions, and the right to collect taxes for themselves, along with various procedural advantages.
  • Nobility: Also benefited from special laws, tax exemptions, and procedural advantages.
  • Third Estate: Comprised the majority of the population, including farmers, artisans, merchants, bankers, etc. They were responsible for economically supporting the kingdom through their work and taxes.

3. Economic System

The economic system was adapted to the needs of a predominantly agrarian economy, proving inadequate for nascent industrial development, modern trade, and financial regimes.

  • Barriers to Property Movement: Entailed property (bienes vinculados) could not change hands freely.
  • Noble Monopolies: Persistence of monopolies held by the nobility over the use of mills, ovens, presses, rivers, mountains, and other resources.
  • Guild System: Artisans were required to register with a guild, an association of producers of the same trade residing in the same city.

The Cadiz Constitution of 1812

This landmark constitution introduced significant liberal reforms:

  • National Sovereignty: Exercised by all Spanish citizens.
  • Division of Powers:
    • Legislative: National Cortes (Parliament).
    • Executive: King and Ministers.
    • Judicial: Tribunals.
  • Parliamentary Monarchy: The king could dissolve the Cortes.
  • Recognition of Rights: Freedom of the press, right to property, inviolability of the home.
  • Suffrage: Universal male suffrage.
  • Equality Before the Law:
    • Abolition of territorial and personal privileges.
    • Legal and fiscal equality.
    • Equal obligation to defend the country.

Challenges During the Reign of Carlos IV

Carlos IV’s reign was marked by several significant problems:

  • Economic Crisis: Caused by disastrous economic policies.
  • Poor Governance: The king’s administration was often left casually in the hands of Manuel Godoy.
  • Declining Empire: General decline of the Spanish Empire.
  • Colonial Issues: Problems in the colonies, particularly in America, affecting Spain’s ability to maintain its trade.
  • Corruption: Widespread corruption.
  • Church Influence: The Church held immense power.

Stages of Fernando VII’s Reign

  • Absolute Stage (1814-1820): Marked by the repeal of the Cadiz Constitution of 1812, initiated with the Manifesto of the Persians.
  • Liberal Triennium (1820-1823): Fernando VII was forced to accept the Constitution of 1812. This period ended with the intervention of the “Hundred Thousand Sons of Saint Louis” under the terms of the Holy Alliance, restoring absolutism.