Spain under Ferdinand VII: A Period of Political Turmoil
Ferdinand VII: Absolutism and Liberalism (1814-1833)
The reign of Ferdinand VII, from the end of the Revolutionary War until his death in 1833, represents a period of reaction, an attempt by the most intransigent absolutism to demolish the work of Cadiz and the liberal movement, and return to the Old Regime. The king’s death paved the way for liberalism.
The Sexenio Absolutista (1814-1820)
The beginning of Ferdinand VII’s reign coincided with the Restoration in Europe after Napoleon’s defeat. The major
Read MoreCapitalism vs. Socialism: A Cold War History
1. The Rise of Blocs
1.1. From Allies to Enemies: The Cold War
Two major ideologies dominated global politics: Western capitalism and socialism, with roots in the 19th century. The U.S. led the capitalist bloc, while the USSR championed socialism. The capitalist bloc included Western Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Japan. Its core tenets were free trade, market dominance, private property, and limited government intervention in the economy. Politically, these nations were generally
Read MoreSpanish Constitution of 1812: Key Principles and Impact
The Spanish Constitution of 1812
Promulgated on March 19, 1812
Popularly known as “La Pepa,” the Constitution of 1812 stands as Spain’s first liberal constitution. A landmark document of its time, it holds a significant place in the history of liberal texts. Key figures in its development include liberal deputies Agustín Argüelles and Diego Muñoz Torrero.
A Compromise, Not a Revolution
The Constitution of Cádiz wasn’t a revolutionary break from the past. It arose from an agreement among legitimate
Read MoreSpain’s Political and Social Upheaval: From Monarchy to Republic
The Crisis of the Restoration (1902-1923)
Alfonso XIII’s ascension to the throne in 1902, at the young age of 16, marked the beginning of his personal reign and a shift in Spanish politics. The young king’s inclination to intervene in political and military matters destabilized the existing system. Several factors contributed to the crisis:
- King’s Intervention: Alfonso XIII’s frequent and often ill-advised involvement in political and military affairs.
- Political Fragmentation: The decline of the dynastic
Spain’s 1978 Constitution: A Historical and Political Analysis
The Spanish Constitution of 1978
This commentary analyzes five articles of the 169 that comprise the current Spanish Constitution. Approved by referendum on December 6, 1978, the Constitution received widespread support, with the exception of the Basque Country. The Transition was marked by a spirit of consensus among political groups, enabling the establishment of a framework of freedoms in Spain.
Adolfo Suárez and the Political Reform
King Juan Carlos appointed Adolfo Suárez, formerly of the Falange
Read MoreSpain: From Monarchy to Republic (1898-1936)
The Disaster of ’98 and the Regenerationist Movement
In 1898, the U.S. declared war on Spain following the sinking of the battleship Maine in Havana, Cuba. The defeat resulted in the loss of Spain’s last colonies (Philippines, Cuba, and Puerto Rico), an event known as the Disaster of ’98. This led to the emergence of the Regenerationist Movement, an intellectual movement that denounced Spain’s decadence and proposed reforms. A prominent figure in this movement was Joaquín Costa.