The Liberal Triennium: Political Conflict and Reform (1820-1823)

The Liberal Triennium: Political Factions

From its inception, the Liberal Triennium was defined by two primary political trends:

• Moderate Doceañistas: Advocated for reforms primarily based on census suffrage.
• Exaltados: Held more radical positions and favored immediate, decisive action regarding census suffrage issues.

Opposing these groups were the absolutists—who existed in smaller numbers—and the Monarch. While King Ferdinand VII nominally accepted the Triennium, he maintained his absolutist stance, obstructing the development of new legislation. This period was marked by constant political conspiracies and exiles supported by the Holy Alliance.

Legislative Reforms and Achievements

Despite the challenges of maintaining power during this three-year period, the liberals implemented significant reforms based on the Constitution of 1812:

• Abolition of the manorial system.
• Creation of the first Criminal Code.
• Implementation of a new administrative division, similar to the modern system.
• Suppression of the Inquisition.
• Initial steps toward the redistribution of "dead hand" lands.
• Introduction of the first Education Regulations and free public education.
• Establishment of mandatory military service for citizens.

Key Challenges of the Triennium

• Financial Crisis: The national debt far exceeded revenue. Attempts to raise funds through direct taxes on land and consumer products failed to solve the crisis and disproportionately burdened low-income citizens.
• Internal Conflict: Ongoing clashes between moderates and the Exaltados significantly contributed to the failure of the government.
• Institutional Friction: The monarchy exerted undue influence, impeding the functioning of laws, while conflicts persisted between the Courts and the military.
• Political Opposition: Absolutist conspiracies were constant. In Catalonia and the Basque Country, insurgent groups—supported by the clergy and the King—formed the "Army of the Faith" to undermine liberal governance.

The Fall of the Liberal Triennium

The collapse of the Liberal Triennium was precipitated by external intervention. Following the Congress of Verona, European powers agreed to intervene militarily in Spain. Exhausted by economic crisis and internal strife, the population offered little resistance. In 1823, French forces entered Catalonia with the objective of restoring absolute monarchy, eventually reaching Madrid to dismantle the liberal government. Upon his restoration, the King declared all liberal laws illegal, reinstated the previous regime, and branded the liberals as traitors to the motherland.