Spain's 1808 Crisis: War, Revolution, and Independence

Crisis of 1808: War and Independence Politics

The Precursors to Conflict

In late 1807, the economic and social situation in Spain was serious. This culminated in the bankruptcy of social groups. Indignation was directed against the opposition to Godoy. The opposition took shape around Prince Fernando. In October, the conspiracy of El Escorial was first discovered.

Treaty and Invasion

On October 19, the Treaty of Fontainebleau was signed between the Spanish government and France, which authorized the French army to cross Spain en route to Portugal. This was done because Spain refused to comply with the Continental Blockade against England, as decreed by Napoleon. Subsequently, France invaded Spain.

The Mutiny and Royal Abdications

From March 17 to 18, 1808, the Mutiny of Aranjuez occurred, leading to Godoy's detention. Carlos IV was deposed and forced to abdicate, ceding the crown to his son. In Bayonne, shameful events took place: Fernando abdicated in favor of his parents, who then abdicated in favor of Napoleon. Napoleon gave the kingdom to his brother, Joseph.

The Uprising of May 2nd

The uprising of May 2nd in Madrid was the cause for alarm among the members of the royal family remaining in the city. A confrontation occurred at the gates of the palace. The Spanish army remained on the sidelines. Murat issued an edict proclaiming his absolute authority throughout the territory and decreed the death penalty for those who resisted. In the following days, the War of Independence spread to every city in the country.

Stages of the War of Independence

The War of Independence had three dimensions:

• It was an international conflict.
• It took on the character of a civil war.
• It involved a political crisis developing in three stages.

Stage 1: May–October 1808 – Collaboration and Patriots

This period saw patriots opposing the French army. The invading French troops were defeated in Andalusia at Bailén. There was an initial incapacity to dominate the peninsula.

Stage 2: October 1808–July 1812 – French Military Hegemony

Napoleon entered Spain personally, commanding the Grande Armée. They managed to expel the British and resettled Joseph in Madrid. The Napoleonic soldiers were unable to take Lisbon and Cádiz. During this stage, the phenomenon of the guerrilla emerged as a major factor.

Stage 3: July 1812–1814 – Expulsion and Defeat of French Troops

The Allied troops (British, Portuguese, and Spanish) achieved victory at the Battle of Arapiles. Later (1813), the French army was defeated again at Vitoria and San Marcial and was ultimately expelled. Finally, following the signing of the Treaty of Valençay, Napoleon recognized Fernando VII as the legitimate King of Spain.

The Political Vacuum and Revolutionary Change

The King's absence caused a vacuum of power, leading to a sudden political crisis. Alternative powers acted on behalf of the King, although in reality, they suddenly exercised their own authority, thus constructing their own state. This was revolutionary because it meant seizing national sovereignty and breaking the absolute regime.

The Rise of Governing Bodies

First, local juntas formed, followed by provincial juntas. In September, the Central Junta (in Aranjuez) became the government of resistance, leading to a process where the Cortes of Cádiz emerged. The Constitution of 1812 was passed, thus consummating the revolutionary process.