Foundational Laws and Political Concepts
Salic Law (Lex Salica)
The
Salic Law was a body of laws enacted in the early sixth century by King Clovis I of the Franks. This code governed issues of inheritance, crime, injury, and theft.
Trienio Liberal (1820–1823)
A three-year liberal period during the reign of Ferdinand VII. It began on January 1, 1820, following the military coup led by Lieutenant Colonel Rafael del Riego in Las Cabezas de San Juan, near Seville.
Creole
A term historically used during the colonial period to describe inhabitants born in America to parents of Spanish descent or origin.
Key Figures in American Emancipation
Simón Bolívar
A Venezuelan military and political leader, recognized as one of the leading figures of American Emancipation against the Spanish Empire.
José de San Martín
An Argentine military leader whose campaigns were decisive for the independence of Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
Spanish Political Leaders and Conflicts (19th Century)
Ramón María Narváez
A Spanish military and political figure (First Duke of Valencia), who served seven times as President of the Council of Ministers of Spain between 1844 and 1868.
Carlism (Carlist Movement)
A legitimate political movement of an anti-liberal and anti-revolutionary nature that arose in Spain in the nineteenth century. Carlism sought to establish an alternative branch of the Bourbon dynasty on the Spanish throne, originally advocating for a return to the Old Regime.
Isabelinos (Elizabethans)
Supporters of Isabel II of Spain against the Carlist supporters (who backed Carlos Luis de Borbón) in the succession dispute following the death of Ferdinand VII (1833). This conflict gave rise to the Carlist Wars.
Baldomero Espartero
A Spanish General and Regent, known by his titles, including Príncipe de Vergara, Duque de la Victoria, Duque de Morella, and Viscount Luchana. These honors were granted in recognition of his distinguished military career.
Somorrostro Manifesto
A key event related to the Third Carlist War (1872–1876), a conflict fought in Spain between supporters of Carlos (the Carlist claimant) and the successive governments of Amadeo I, the First Republic, and Alfonso XII.
Key Spanish Constitutions of the 19th Century
Constitution of 1837
In force from 1837 to 1845. Its main legacy was the recovery of the more progressive measures established in the Constitution of 1812, defining the political system of the Spanish State.
Constitution of 1845
Unlike the Constitution of 1837, which was based on national sovereignty, the moderate Constitution of 1845 established
shared sovereignty, residing jointly in the Monarchy and the Cortes (Parliament). This framework regulated the balance between ancient privileges, freedoms, and contemporary needs.
Constitution of 1856 (Non Nata)
This constitution never came into force (known as
Non Nata). It collected the most advanced approaches of progressive and liberal ideology, anticipating ideas later developed in the Constitution of 1869, particularly the reaffirmation of the principle of national sovereignty.
