Charles IV and the Spanish War of Independence History

The Reign of Charles IV

In 1789, the ministers of Charles IV closed the borders to prevent revolutionary ideas from spreading into Spain. Conservatives dominated the court, while the monarch felt overwhelmed by the rapid course of events. Spain initially waited to see how the situation in France would unfold, but following the execution of Louis XVI, Madrid declared the War of the Pyrenees (Roussillon). The conflict began in 1793 with a Spanish invasion of French territory, which saw initial success. However, after a series of defeats and victories, peace was signed in Basel in 1795.

Manuel Godoy became the favorite of the powerful monarchy, and his influence defined Spanish politics until the eve of the War of Independence. Key events during this period included:

• 1805: The Battle of Trafalgar, resulting in the loss of Spanish naval power.
• 1807: The Treaty of Fontainebleau, which allowed a Hispano-French army to invade Portugal, though these troops also aimed to occupy Spain.
• 1808: Supporters of the Prince of Asturias opposed Godoy, culminating in the Mutiny of Aranjuez on March 18, 1808.

The War of Independence

As French troops invaded Spain, many reformers chose to support Joseph I. These Francophiles were composed of the educated minority. Opposing them were the patriots, who were divided into:

• Liberals: Opposed the French presence but adopted their ideological framework.
• Traditionalists: Rejected the new regime and maintained a conservative approach.

The war raged across the country, characterized by the emergence of guerrilla volunteer parties that gave the conflict a popular character. The war unfolded in three phases:

• 1808–1809: A severe French defeat at Bailén forced Joseph I and his troops to abandon Madrid.
• 1809–1812: Napoleon Bonaparte ensured his troops re-entered Madrid, and the victory at Ocaña allowed the French to move into Andalusia.
• 1812–1813: The French position became increasingly difficult, suffering a series of defeats until the Treaty of Valençay ended the war.

The conflict caused widespread destruction and paralyzed both internal and external trade.

The Cortes of Cadiz

Sessions began in San Fernando in 1810, with members arriving from various territories of the monarchy. Their primary objectives included:

• Establishing national sovereignty.
• Implementing the separation of powers.
• Ending the class-based society.
• Drafting a new constitution.

Political factions included the absolutists, who opposed all reform; the reformers, who favored moderate changes; and the liberals, who advocated for fundamental structural shifts.

The Constitution of 1812

The Constitution of 1812 defined national sovereignty and established a constitutional monarchy. Key features included:

• Separation of Powers: Executive power rested with the monarch, while legislative power was shared.
• Individual Rights: It guaranteed the right of suffrage, the right of assembly, the inviolability of the home, and the elimination of torture.
• Confessional State: The document declared Catholicism as the official religion of Spain.

This constitution had a profound impact on other European nations.