Treaty of Fontainebleau & Spanish Uprising 1807-1840
Causes and Consequences: Treaty of Fontainebleau & The Mutiny of Aranjuez
Treaty of Fontainebleau (1807)
The Treaty of Fontainebleau (1807) allowed French troops to enter Spain under the pretext of invading Portugal. However, it led to French occupation and sparked Spanish resistance.
Mutiny of Aranjuez (1808)
The Mutiny of Aranjuez (1808) was a popular revolt against Prime Minister Godoy. It resulted in Charles IV’s abdication in favor of his son, Ferdinand VII, ultimately facilitating Napoleon’s intervention.
Bayonne Statute (1808)
The Bayonne Statute, established by Napoleon, legitimized Joseph Bonaparte as King of Spain in July 1808. This replaced the Spanish monarchy and provoked widespread rejection.
Ideological Groups
- Afrancesados: Spaniards who supported Joseph Bonaparte’s rule and advocated for reforms under French influence.
- Patriots: Those who rejected foreign rule and fought for Spanish sovereignty, often aligned with traditional values and loyal to Ferdinand VII.
Warfare Against the French
The Spanish employed guerrilla warfare and resistance movements against the French, with support from British troops under the Duke of Wellington.
Dethronement of the Bourbons & French Invasion
The dethronement of the Bourbons and the French invasion sparked the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814), a resistance movement against French occupation and the establishment of foreign rule.
Key Battles in Spain
The Spanish achieved significant victories, notably the Battle of Bailén (1808) and the Battle of Arapiles (1812). The French suffered defeats, leading to their eventual expulsion from Spain in 1813.
Liberal Ideas in the Constitution of 1812
The Constitution of 1812 embodied principles such as national sovereignty, separation of powers, a declaration of rights, and representation through elected officials.
Cortes Delegates and Approved Laws
The Cortes of Cadiz included both absolutists and liberals. They passed laws abolishing feudalism, trade guilds, and the Inquisition, among other reforms.
Stages of Ferdinand VII’s Reign
- Absolutist Sexennium (1814-1820): Marked by the repression of liberals and the restoration of absolute monarchy.
- Liberal Triennium (1820-1823): Witnessed a return to constitutional monarchy, reforms, and conflicts with absolutist powers.
- Ominous Decade (1823-1833): Ferdinand VII resumed absolutist rule after French intervention, leading to repression and political instability.
Holy Alliance
The Holy Alliance was a coalition of European monarchs aimed at suppressing liberal movements and maintaining the status quo.
Salic Law
The Salic Law, a law excluding women from succession to the throne, was overturned by Ferdinand VII in 1830 to allow his daughter, Isabel II, to inherit the throne.
Criollos
Criollos were Spanish-born individuals in the Americas who played a significant role in advocating for independence due to dissatisfaction with colonial rule and discrimination.
Regency of Maria Cristina and General Espartero
- Maria Cristina’s Regency (1833-1840): Marked by political maneuvering and the First Carlist War.
- First Carlist War (1833-1839): A conflict between supporters of Isabel II and supporters of Carlos, ending with Isabel II’s victory.
Political Importance of Queen Isabel II’s Reign
Isabel II’s reign was marked by political struggles, including the Carlist Wars, and set the stage for further liberal reforms in Spain.