Spanish War of Independence & Constitution of 1812
1. The Old Regime (18th Century)
The traditional governance of 18th-century European states, particularly in Spain, stemmed from the Middle Ages. This system, known as absolute monarchy, had three key elements:
- Absolute Power: Sovereignty resided solely with the king, who owned the state’s assets and held absolute power, unconstrained by law.
- Class-Based Organization: Society was divided into distinct classes, with the clergy and nobility holding significant power and land ownership.
- Agrarian Economy: The economy was primarily agricultural, with land ownership concentrated in the hands of the privileged classes.
Manorial Courts
These courts administered justice within the manors, further solidifying the power of the landowning class.
2. The Rise of Liberalism and Constitutionalism
Liberalism emerged as a powerful force, emphasizing individual rights and freedoms. The French Revolution aimed to dismantle the old regime and establish a society based on equal rights for all citizens. This led to the development of constitutions, enshrining these rights and freedoms.
3. The Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814)
Key events and figures of the war:
- The Battle of Bailen (1808): This marked Napoleon’s first major defeat in open battle, a significant victory for the Spanish forces.
- Theodor von Reding: A Swiss-born Spanish general who played a key role in the Battle of Bailen and served as governor of Malaga.
- Daoíz y Velarde: Two Spanish artillery officers who became symbols of resistance against the French during the uprising of May 2, 1808.
Causes and Consequences of the War
Causes:
- Presence of French troops in Madrid
- Abdications of Bayonne
- Popular uprising against the French
Consequences:
- Significant population loss (estimated 10%)
- Economic devastation: abandoned farmlands, destruction of infrastructure
- Loss of artistic and historical heritage
- Profound moral and psychological impact
4. The Constitution of 1812
The Constitution of 1812 established a framework for a modern Spanish state based on the following principles:
- National Sovereignty: Sovereignty resided in the nation, which had the right to establish its fundamental laws.
- Separation of Powers: Power was divided among the legislative (Cortes and King), executive (King), and judicial branches.
- Individual Rights: The Constitution guaranteed civil liberties, property rights, and other fundamental rights for all individuals.
Structure of the Cortes
The Cortes, a single-chamber legislature, met for three months each year. Deputies were elected every two years through indirect universal suffrage.
Key Decrees and Reforms
- Freedom of the press (with limitations)
- Abolition of the Inquisition (with limitations)
- Abolition of jurisdictional lordships, ending aristocratic control over local justice
- Seizure of property from traitors and suppressed institutions
- Freedom of contract in agriculture and industry, dissolving the guild system
- Establishment of a national militia and a general education plan
The Constitution of 1812 marked a significant turning point in Spanish history, establishing a framework for a more modern and liberal state.