The Impact of Cadiz Courts on Spanish Liberalism

Cadiz Courts: Provincial Juntas and Central Juntas

The Bayonne Abdications and the uprising against Joseph marked the end of the Old Regime and left the Spanish authority in disarray.

At that time, citizens rose to power through assemblies known as Provincial Juntas. These juntas were created in all the provinces to confront the French invaders. They assumed sovereignty in the name of the absent king, Ferdinand VII.

On the 8th of September, representatives from each Provincial Junta gathered to constitute the Central Junta (the highest organization at that moment). Although they initially supported the Old Regime, they eventually realized that revolutionary measures were necessary. Consequently, they called for the Cortes.

On the 24th of September, the first session of the courts was held. As a result of their work, the Extraordinary Juntas of Cadiz emerged, where revolutionary progress began (with Liberals in the majority).

Soon, two opposing groups appeared:

• Liberals: in favor of reforms

• Absolutists: in favor of the Old Regime

While these courts embraced liberal ideas, the Church began promoting absolutist ideology.

Despite this, reforms continued to develop.

The 1812 Constitution

Approved on the 19th of March, the 1812 Constitution was the first liberal constitution of Spain. Coinciding with San Jose’s day, it was called “La Pepa.”

Characteristics:

• National sovereignty: the power belonged to the nation

• The power was divided:

  • Legislative: unicameral Courts

  • Executive: King and his ministers

  • Judicial: tribunals

• Representation right: citizens chose their representatives

• Universal male suffrage: age 25 and older

• Expression and press freedoms: without censorship

• Unique tax system: based on income

• Obligation to participate: in the National Army

• Elimination of old laws:

• Confessional State: Catholicism as the only permitted religion

Importance:

This Constitution was significant because it was the first in Spain and has served as a reference for subsequent ones, incorporating many progressive measures. Besides being a model, it influenced Europe by introducing the revolutionary idea of Liberalism.