Spanish Constitution of 1812: Origins and Impact
Background of the 1812 Constitution
Following the French invasion of Spain and the coronation of Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon’s brother, in 1808, the Spanish people did not recognize the legitimacy of the new government. Sovereign power was auto-conceded in the absence of King Fernando VII, through the creation of spontaneously appearing boards formed by local notables (nobles, clergy, and bourgeois) in each province. Their aim was to organize the fight against the French.
In September 1808, all meetings
Read More20th Century Europe: Cultural Shifts, Philosophical Context, and Spanish Intellectuals
Historical and Cultural Context of the 20th Century
The 20th century is characterized by multiple breaks and fractures, where economic value overrides political, ethical, and religious values. Scientific advances led to a fascinating and terrifying new world. Chemical bombs, machine guns, and tanks in World War I turned people into fodder. The Europe of scientific progress and economic prosperity disappeared on the battlefields.
Communism rose in Russia, and the U.S. and Japan gained importance as
Read MoreRestoration and Liberalism in Europe (1815-1848)
The System of Restoration: The Congress of Vienna
The great powers met under the sponsorship of the Austrian Chancellor Metternich at the Congress of Vienna. The great principles inspiring the Restoration were:
- The fundamental objective was to return to the situation prior to the French Revolution.
- Ending the principles of national sovereignty.
- A return to absolutism.
The basis was the hereditary right of monarchs deposed by Napoleon to have their thrones. In some countries, given the impossibility of
Read MoreSpanish Conquest & Colonization: Impact on Spain
Conquest and Colonization (1519-1550)
The process began with Magellan and Elcano’s first circumnavigation of the world (1519-1522), passing Cape Horn. The first stage of the conquest was led by Hernán Cortés. He landed in Mexico, founded Veracruz, and militarily dominated the Aztecs (1522) and a large area inhabited by the Mayans. This became the viceroyalty of New Spain. The second stage was directed by Francisco Pizarro, who conquered the Inca Empire (Peru, Ecuador) and its capital, Cuzco, in
Read MoreKey Historical Transformations: 18th-19th Centuries
Proto-industrialization
Traditional manufacturing systems for production were the guild system and concentrated manufactures, also in cities. This had an important momentum in the 17th and 18th centuries. The production rate (putting-out system) in the rural environment was developed by merchants looking for more quantity and to increase production. The rural industry contributed to forming an expert workforce (proto-industry).
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement with the
Read MoreSpain’s Foreign Relations & Political Shifts (1962-1975)
International Relations and Political Shifts in Spain (1962-1975)
International Relations
In 1962, European countries called into question Spain’s economic income and precision. Spain, under Franco, was more democratic than it seemed.
In the 1970s, Spain and other countries configured a Route Options Agreement that considerably reduced tariffs and established favorable conditions for Spanish industrial exports.
Spain also participated in the process of decolonization in Africa. On June 19, 1955, France
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