The Emancipation Process of Spanish Colonies in the 19th Century

Process of Colonies' Emancipation

Causes of Emancipation

Policies

The ideological currents in Europe were unknown in the Americas, where they became the germ of the idea of independence. Developments occurred in Spain in the 19th century, providing new ideological arguments and, above all, an occasion to put them into practice.

Social Factors

Creoles were the social group that steered the process of independence. This group found itself excluded from senior political positions but instead occupied social and economic roles.

Economic Life

Creoles sought independence due to the coveted commercial monopoly enjoyed by Spain, which included a ban on trading freely with foreigners.

International Causes

The international situation led to the isolation of the Spanish colonies and affected the metropolis. Great Britain and the United States were eager to disrupt the Spanish commercial monopoly to help Latin American colonies.

Evolution of the Independence Process

Significant Periods

1. First Period (1810-1824): The main sources of independence emerged in 1810, with significant movements in Mexico, Venezuela, and Argentina. However, by the end of this period, all outbreaks were quelled, and only Argentina remained independent.
2. Second Period (1824-1815): During the reign of Ferdinand, insurrections spread everywhere, achieving great successes thanks to the campaigns of Generals San Martin, Bolivar, and Sucre. Spanish America was finally divided into a large number of small republics.

Consequences of Independence

The loss of colonies occurred in the 19th century, at a time when great European colonial empires were forming. Spain became a secondary power, distanced from international decisions. The Spanish Empire was partitioned into young nations and independent republics, shaken by revolutions. Unfortunately, the suppression of these movements led to governments of force, which often degenerated into atrocious dictatorships (e.g., Rosa in Argentina).

Before the Emancipation of the Colonies under Ferdinand VII

The reign of Ferdinand VII began in 1814 and lasted until his death in 1833. This period can be divided into three stages:

1. Absolutist Regime (1814-1820)

This period ended with the war, and the court moved to Madrid after Ferdinand's return. In 1814, he abolished all reforms and restored absolutism, influenced by the success of the restoration system and ideology of the Holy Alliance. This led to a manifesto signed by 65 MPs advising the public to ignore the constitution. The people called him 'The Desired' after he refused to swear the constitution, leading to the persecution of Liberals.

2. Triennium (1820-1823)

The first spark of Liberal revolution occurred in Spain with the revolt of Colonel Riego on January 1, 1820. The military coup led by Riego triumphed, and Ferdinand signed the constitution of 1812, beginning a period of Liberal rule.

3. French Intervention (Ominous Decade)

During this time, King Ferdinand VII's persecution of Liberals was constant until 1836. The regime continued to suppress conspiracies, including those led by Riego, Mariana Pineda, and Torrijos. The absolutist faction clustered around Ferdinand's brother Charles and Prince Heredero, but the birth of Isabel posed a dynastic problem that would lead to a civil war.