Reign of Ferdinand VII: Absolutism, Liberalism, and Succession Crisis in 19th Century Spain

The Reign of Ferdinand VII

The Restoration of Absolutism

After the Treaty of Valençay, Ferdinand VII returned to Spain and rejected the Cádiz Constitution. Coinciding with the Manifesto of the Persians, the 1814 Decree of Valencia restored his absolute power. The international context favored absolutism, leading to a return to the past: the Inquisition, guilds, and manorial system were reinstated. Repression resulted in jail, exile, or death, marking the first exile of contemporary, liberal, Francophile Spaniards.

The Disastrous Government of Ferdinand VII

Spain faced challenges: the war for independence in American colonies, government instability due to the King’s clique, and bankruptcy from military spending. Martín de Garay’s attempts to solve the financial crisis failed due to opposition from the privileged.

Pronouncements and Conspiracies

The 19th century in Spain was marked by military coups. The successful coup of 1820, led by Rafael del Riego, forced Ferdinand VII to swear allegiance to the 1812 Constitution, beginning the Liberal Triennium.

The Liberal Triennium (1820-1823)

The Liberal government implemented measures like freeing political prisoners, suppressing the Inquisition, reinstating constitutional authorities, calling parliamentary elections, and establishing the National Military. The press became instrumental for freedom of expression, and patriotic societies discussed current affairs and social policy.

Divisions Within Liberalism

Two main trends emerged:

  • Moderate Liberals: Supported an aristocratic Senate and press control.
  • Exalted Liberals: Advocated for the 1812 Constitution and radical reforms.

The Moderates in Government

The Moderates attempted to reform the 1812 Constitution conservatively but faced struggles against the Exalted. Their measures included abolishing monastic orders, confiscating church property, and ending primogeniture and nobility. The government faced constant crises due to conspiracies, royal intrigues, and guerrilla warfare, exacerbated by colonial independence wars, Holy Alliance maneuvers, and economic crisis.

The Exalted in Power

A coup attempt by the Royal Guard shifted power to the Exalted Liberals. In 1823, King Louis XVIII of France sent the Hundred Thousand Sons of St. Louis army, invading Spain and encountering little resistance. The Courts and government fled to Cádiz, declaring Ferdinand VII incapacitated. Upon his release, Ferdinand VII restored absolute power.

The “Ominous” Decade (1823-1833)

Repression and Exile

This period began with political repression, though the Holy Alliance moderated the Spanish monarch’s harshness. Many liberals fled to the UK or France, conspiring against Ferdinand VII. Those remaining faced arrest or death. Repression was enforced through:

  • The Superintendent of Police and military commissions.
  • The Volunteer Corps, a royalist militia opposing the National Militia.
  • Courts condemning liberal symbols.
  • Boards of Faith, acting under bishops’ orders.

Reforms of the Absolutist Governments

Recognizing the need for modernization, Ferdinand VII implemented reforms despite his anachronistic despotism. The loss of colonies worsened the treasury crisis, necessitating tax reform. Significant reforms included:

  • The failed 1824 tax reform.
  • Spain’s first state budget.
  • Creation of the Royal Amortization Fund and Court of Auditors.
  • Public debt reduction.
  • A mining plan.

Changes also occurred in state administration, including the founding of the Madrid Stock Exchange and the Ministry of Development.

The Crisis of Absolutism

Absolutists suspected the King of sympathizing with Liberals. His brother, Carlos María Isidro, led the radical faction, resulting in Carlist uprisings, notably the War of the Victims in Catalonia.

The Issue of Succession

Ferdinand VII’s 1789 Pragmatic Sanction abolished the Salic Law, radicalizing the Carlists who supported his brother’s claim. The 1832 events at La Granja led to Ferdinand VII naming his daughter, Isabella, as heir. In 1833, Carlos and his family went into exile in Portugal. Two years later, Isabella II was proclaimed Queen.