Cortes of Cadiz: Principles and Legacy
Cortes of Cadiz
The Central Board, amidst the power vacuum caused by the King's absence, assumed sovereignty and decided to reform the country's government by convening Parliament. A Regency was appointed in 1810 to convene the parliament. In its first meeting, it proclaimed the principles of national sovereignty and national representation.
Ideological Trends
From an ideological standpoint, the deputies of the Cortes of Cadiz were organized into three distinct trends:
- Absolutists: Supporters of the *ancien régime*.
- Liberals: Stood for freedom, equality, and property rights.
- Jovellanistas: Represented a middle way between absolutists and liberals.
Composition and Impact
The composition of the Cortes of Cadiz, largely composed of members, favored the triumph of liberal ideas. Its work involved a breakdown of the social, economic, legal, and political order that supported the old regime. This work resulted in the development of a series of decrees and, especially, in the creation of the Constitution of 1812.
Historical Significance
The historic significance was evident, as it became the ideological basis and the flag of the liberal movement in its struggle against absolutism.
Key Constitutional Principles
The most important principles reflected in the constitutional text were:
- National sovereignty
- Division of powers
- Freedom of the press
- Establishment of a unique contribution to the recognition of individual rights
- Proclamation of universal male suffrage
- Catholic confessional state
Additional Decrees
In addition to these constitutional principles, several executive decrees were issued, including:
- The abolition of the feudal system
- The abolition of the Inquisition
- The confiscation of property held in mortmain
- The abolition of guilds and the establishment of free labor, industry, trade, and prices
Limitations and Legacy
The Constitution and legislation of the Parliament could not be applied throughout the Spanish territory due to war and, subsequently, the return of Fernando VII, which represented a return to absolutism and the repeal of the Constitution and laws passed. However, the Cortes of Cadiz were the first Spanish Parliament, the origin of political parties, and responsible for the approval of the first Spanish Constitution, which had great international influence in the revolutions of 1820.