Spain's 19th Century: Liberalism, Carlist Wars, and Latin American Independence

The Reign of Fernando VII and Isabel II (1820-1868)

Fernando VII: Absolutism and Liberalism

The Trienio Liberal (1820-1823)

• In 1820, troops under Lieutenant Colonel Riego revolted against Fernando VII and restored the Constitution of 1812.
• This period marked the start of the Trienio Liberal, characterized by conflict between moderate liberals and radical liberals (or Exaltados).
• In 1823, Spanish volunteers, known as the Cien Mil Hijos de San Luis, invaded Spain and restored the absolutist throne.

The Ominous Decade (1823-1833)

The restoration of absolutism marked the start of the Década Ominosa.

The Succession Crisis and the First Carlist War

Fernando VII died in 1833. The succession was determined by the Pragmática Sanción, which replaced the Salic Law (forbidding female succession), allowing his daughter, Isabel II, to inherit the crown.

This triggered a civil war between two contenders for the throne:

• Isabel II: Supported a transition to moderate liberalism.
• Infante Don Carlos: Supported absolutism (The Carlists).

The First Carlist War (1833-1840) was won by Isabel's supporters.

The Reign of Isabel II (1833-1868)

Because Isabel II was still a minor, she had two regents: her mother, María Cristina, and General Espartero.

Key Characteristics of the Liberal System

The establishment of a constitutional monarchy included:

• Separation of powers.
• Sovereignty was no longer exclusively in the hands of the monarch.
• Citizens' rights were recognized.

Political Parties and Constitutions

During Isabel II's reign, two main political parties dominated: the Moderate Party and the Progressive Party.

Two major constitutions were enacted, reflecting the political shifts:

• Progressive Constitution (1837)
• Moderate Constitution (1845)

Economic Reforms: Desamortización

The process of Desamortización (disentailment) was crucial to fight the Carlists and finance the industrialization process. Main disentailments included:

• Mendizábal (1836)
• Madoz (1855)

Iberoamerican Independence Movements

Causes of Independence

• Urban Growth and Liberal Influence: Iberoamerican cities had grown significantly. The urban middle class was influenced by liberal ideas discussed in their newspapers and social circles.
• External Models: Awareness of the French Revolution and the independence of the United States provided inspiration.
• Criollo Grievances: The Criollos (people of Spanish descent born in the Americas) felt ignored and marginalized by the colonial authorities.
• British Economic Interest: Great Britain sought to sell its manufactured products in the lucrative Iberoamerican market.

Consequences of Independence

The independence movements resulted in profound political and economic shifts:

• Criollo Power: The Criollos obtained the political power they desired and consolidated their economic influence.
• Abolition of Slavery: Black slaves benefited, as slavery was abolished in most new countries.
• New Political Systems: The system of government in the new countries was generally a republic, but this soon led to new conflicts.
• Instability: The rise of Caudillismo (strongman rule) and frequent coups d'état characterized the post-independence era.
• Economic Dependency Shift: Iberoamerica was no longer economically dependent on Spain, but instead became dependent on England and the United States.