Cádiz Constitution of 1812: A Liberal Revolution

Text 1: The Constitution of 1812 (Cádiz)

This text presents a series of articles from the Constitution of Cádiz, adopted on March 19, 1812.

This legal text established, for the first time in Spain, the fundamental principles of liberalism.

On the initiative of the Central Junta, the Cortes met in Cádiz, the only city free from the French invasion. The members who approved the constitution were mostly representatives of the middle classes. Las Cortes de Cádiz carried out its revolutionary work until 1814.

Key liberal principles included:

• Article 3: Proclaimed national sovereignty.
• Articles 15, 16, and 17: Established the separation of powers.
• Article 8: Approved financial equality, abolishing privileges for specific groups.
• Article 371: Enshrined freedom of expression for Spaniards.
• Article 14: Established Spain as a constitutional monarchy, although freedom of worship was not yet guaranteed.

During the Peninsular War (1808-1814), the Central Junta convened the Cortes to aid in the fight against the French. The Junta served as the central government in opposition to José I Bonaparte and his French regime.

The Cortes began its first sessions in 1810 and continued until 1814. The middle classes and the bourgeoisie (business, finance, commerce, and industry) were well represented, although popular representation from Cádiz was limited. The Cortes declared itself the Constituent Assembly, assumed national sovereignty, and met as a single chamber, not three. Through this legislative work, Cádiz initiated the liberal revolution in Spain.

The legislative work of Cádiz was twofold: to abolish decrees of the Old Regime and to create the first Spanish Constitution of 1812. Over four years, Cádiz adopted numerous decrees that dismantled the institutions, laws, and customs of the Old Regime and established the foundations of a new liberal regime.

Key achievements included the abolition of feudal courts, guilds, the Mesta (sheep herders' association), and the Inquisition. However, the most significant achievement was the Constitution adopted on March 19, 1812. This revolutionary document established national sovereignty, separation of powers, equality before the law, a constitutional monarchy, and a comprehensive list of citizens' rights and freedoms.

Furthermore, Cádiz addressed major reforms in land, administration, education, and finance, promoting a common tax system, a national army, and a national market by ending internal customs. Cádiz represented the most serious attempt to modernize the country's political, economic, and social development.

Although its direct impact lasted only six years (during the Liberal Triennium and under María Cristina's regency), the Constitution of Cádiz left a lasting mark on liberal thought throughout the 19th century. The cry of “Viva la Pepa” (Long live the Constitution) became a revolutionary battle cry against absolutist forces. The Constitution of Cádiz significantly influenced constitutional texts in Europe and America.