Key Events and Figures of the Spanish War of Independence
Key Terms of the Spanish War of Independence
- Francophiles: Spaniards who admired Enlightenment ideas and supported Joseph I, believing he would implement enlightened reforms in Spain.
- Pronunciamiento: A military uprising or coup aimed at seizing political power.
- Juntas (Boards): Representative bodies elected by the people. The most significant was the Central Board.
- Guerrillas: Spontaneous armed bands of fighters supported by the local population, organized to resist Napoleon's army.
- Liberal Triennium: A period triggered by Rafael del Riego's uprising, marking the return of liberalism during the reign of Fernando VII.
Events During the Reign of Fernando VII
The Manifesto of the Persians
A document presented to the King by a group of absolutists who attacked the Cortes of Cadiz and defended the restoration of absolute monarchy.
The Pronunciamiento of Riego
Driven by poor public finances and the persecution of liberals, army officer Rafael del Riego led a successful uprising in 1820, forcing Fernando VII to govern under liberal principles.
The Spanish Resistance Against Napoleon
What were the Juntas and why were they created?
The Juntas were created because the Spanish people rejected the government imposed by Napoleon. They consisted of representatives elected by the people, eventually forming the Central Board to rule in the absence of the legitimate King and in opposition to Joseph Bonaparte.
Key Questions on the Resistance
- Which Board was the most important? The Central Board, which took shelter in Seville and later Cadiz.
- Which King did the Central Board oppose? Joseph Bonaparte.
- What institution did the Central Board summon? They summoned the Cortes (Parliament), which included two main groups: enlightened/liberal intellectuals defending liberalism, and representatives of the nobility defending absolutism.
- What was passed by the Cortes of Cadiz on March 19, 1812? The first Spanish Constitution.