The Rise of Liberalism in 19th Century Spain

The Rise of Liberalism in Spain

Following the death of Ferdinand VII, a succession crisis ignited a civil war. Carlos María Isidro, the brother of Ferdinand, claimed the throne with the support of absolutists. Conversely, Isabella, Ferdinand’s daughter, was the legitimate heir. She secured the support of the liberals on the condition that she would establish a liberal regime upon victory. She ultimately prevailed, leading to the formal establishment of liberalism in Spain.

Key Historical Definitions

• José Bonaparte: French statesman, lawyer, and diplomat; older brother of Napoleon. He served as King of Spain during the War of Independence but was defeated by Ferdinand VII’s forces.
• Cortes de Cádiz (1810–1814): A constituent assembly held in Cádiz where representatives gathered to draft the rules that would govern the nation's future.
• Juntas: Committees of military and civilian leaders. These originated from local and national bodies organized by the Spanish resistance against Napoleon’s invasion in 1809.
• Moderate Liberals: A political faction that supported parliamentarism but advocated for significant royal power and limited citizen rights.
• Progressive Liberals: A political party that championed the idea that sovereignty resided with the Nation and the people, while promoting progressive ideals.
• Camarillismo: A practice where members of the nobility, military, and clergy formed political cliques to leverage influence for personal gain.
• Caciquismo: The pervasive influence of a cacique (local boss) in the social and political life of a community.
• Pucherazo: Electoral fraud involving the manipulation of vote counts to alter election results.
• Espartero: A military and political leader who supported and led both moderate and progressive factions.
• O'Donnell: A Spanish nobleman, military officer, and politician. As the first Duke of Tetuán and a key figure in the progressive liberal party, he helped create the Unión Liberal party.
• Narváez: The first Duke of Valencia, a Spanish general and statesman who served as Prime Minister multiple times during the reign of Isabella II. Known as “El Espadón de Loja,” he was a principal leader of the moderate liberal party.
• Milicia: A group of armed volunteers organized to defend the rights of citizens.
• Pronunciamiento: A military rebellion aimed at overthrowing an existing government.
• Salic Law: A decree excluding females from dynastic succession, historically associated with the fundamental laws of the French monarchy.