19th Century Spain and Europe: Art, Politics, and Independence

Supreme Central Junta

This political association of patriots led the war effort and governed Spain during the monarchy's instability.

Constitution of 1812

Drafted by the Courts of Cádiz, this document recognized equality under the law, established national sovereignty, and the separation of powers. Absolutism was replaced by a liberal political system, although the monarchy remained. Universal male suffrage was also accepted.

European Alliances

Two main alliance systems existed. The first, the Bismarckian system, was based on secret diplomacy promoted by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck to isolate France and prevent its alliance with Russia against Germany. This system lasted for 20 years. The second, "Peace through Strength" (1891-1914), saw the formation of the Triple Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy) and the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and Great Britain) in anticipation of war.

Independence of Spanish America

Led by criollos (people of Spanish descent born in the Americas) dissatisfied with political marginalization, high taxes, and social discrimination, the independence movement was influenced by European liberal ideas and aided by troops from the United States and the United Kingdom. The first stage involved revolutionary juntas led by figures like Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, which were repressed upon Fernando VII's return. The second stage began when Fernando VII refused to grant autonomy to the colonies, leading to British and American victories against Spain at Pichincha and Ayacucho. Spain's colonial holdings were reduced to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

Goya

• Tapestry-portraits
• Black Paintings

Romanticism

Characterized by rich color, the use of iron and glass.

Realism

Focused on detail and realistic depictions.

Monet

• Impression, Sunrise
• Saint-Lazare Train Station

Renoir

• Bal du moulin de la Galette (Dance at Le moulin de la Galette)

Degas

• The Parade
• La Classe de Danse (The Dance Class)

Post-Impressionism

Cézanne

• The Card Players

Gauguin

• The Yellow Christ
• Arearea

Van Gogh

• The Starry Night

Fauvism

Matisse

• The Dance
• The Green Stripe

Expressionism

Munch

• The Scream

Kirchner

• Street, Dresden

Cubism

Picasso

• Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (The Young Ladies of Avignon)

Barque

• Blue Horse
• Man with a Guitar