Liberalism in Spain: 19th-Century Conflicts & Reforms
How Liberalism Took Hold of Spain
After Ferdinand VII’s death, a war for the throne ensued. Carlos María Isidro, Ferdinand’s brother, claimed the throne, backed by the absolutists. Isabella (Ferdinand’s daughter) was the legitimate Queen, supported by liberals on the condition that she would establish liberalism. She won, and thus, liberalism was established.
The War of Independence (1808-1814)
The war started in 1808 and ended in 1814. The reasons were:
- The Treaty of Fontainebleau
- The Mutiny of Aranjuez
- The
Feudal Abuses in the Crown of Aragon and Catalonia
Uses and Abuses in the Crown of Aragon and Catalonia
The Crown of Aragon and Catalonia, especially influenced by the Franks, saw a more intense manifestation of feudal benefits and the six specific “abuses.” The first symptoms of worsening conditions for the peasantry began to manifest at the end of the 11th century, when the problem arose of retaining farmers who wanted to leave their land. By the mid-11th century, a major change occurred in the life of the Catalan-Aragonese peasant, who, from being
Read MoreGlobal Impact of the Industrial Revolution
Industrialization began in Britain in the 18th century with the creation of the steam engine. This invention allowed for energy production from coal, which was needed for factories and to produce new goods that were in demand due to a population increase. This was only the beginning of a revolution that would affect not only Europe but also other continents.
China and the Opium War
In 1839, China was drawn into this revolution. One of the many consequences of European industrialization was unfavorable
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: Key Battles and Events
Failure in Catalonia
Gore leads the conservative movement led by CAT Mola. Conservatives supported the Catalan population, but the ESP and Falange Carlists did not. The Regionalist League did not support the Conservatives or liberals.
The Conservatives won with a majority. Liberals came out on the street with police, population, military, and trade unions. They could not come in the afternoon. Godet resigned.
Internationalization of the Conflict
The U.S. and USSR were pro-liberal Republicans, wanting
Read MoreSpain’s Political Turmoil: Alfonso XIII to the Second Republic
The Reign of Alfonso XIII and the Beginning of Restoration Political Problems
Key challenges during the early Restoration period:
- Upheaval to the political system.
- Dealing with the demands of workers in the sector.
- Need for the PSOE, regionalist, and Republican forces to acquire new audiences.
Conservative and Liberal Political Parties
- Conservative: Cánovas, Silvela, Maura.
- Liberal: Sagasta, Montero Ríos, Moret, Canalejas.
The Three Revolutions of Summer 1917
Three concurrent crises:
- Military unrest (Juntas
Treaty of Bergara and the 1876 Constitution: Spain’s Path
The Convention of Bergara (1839)
Analysis of a Primary Historical Document
- Title: Convention of Bergara
- Type of Text: Historical-Political
- Author: General Espartero Maroto, Carlist General
- Intended Audience: The Spanish People
- Published: September 5, 1839, Official Gazette of Pamplona
- Source: Primary
- Context: Regency of Maria Christina, specifically the end of the First Carlist War, marking the peace agreement between Liberals and Carlists.
Main and Secondary Ideas
The primary purpose of the text is to publicize