Spain's 19th Century Transformation: Liberalism, Conflicts, and Key Figures

Spanish 19th Century History: Key Events and Concepts (Part 1)

Activities of the First Review

1. The Liberal Concept of National Sovereignty

   Explain the liberal concept of national sovereignty, which resides in the people and is the source of all powers.

2. Inspiration for the Cortes of Cádiz

   What revolutionary movement inspired the members of the Cortes of Cádiz and why? The French Revolution, because it was the first to establish the separation of powers.

3. Meaning of Article 1 of the Constitution of Cádiz

   Explain the meaning of Article 1 of the Constitution of Cádiz: It defines as Spanish both those living in the peninsula and those living in America. This encompassed all citizens without distinction between the Spanish of the two hemispheres.

Images of the First Review

• The 3rd of May 1808 by Goya

  Goya's masterpiece depicting the French crackdown on the people of Madrid, illustrating the execution of patriots.

• Proclamation of the 1812 Constitution in Cádiz

  This painting by Salvador Viniegra depicts the proclamation of the Constitution of 1812. The Constitution was affectionately nicknamed "La Pepa" because its promulgation coincided with the feast of Saint Joseph.

• Execution of Torrijos and Liberals in Málaga

  Antonio Gisbert's painting, Execution of Torrijos and his Liberal Companions on the Beaches of Málaga, portrays the execution of General Torrijos and his fellow liberals, who had fallen on the ground.

Spanish 19th Century History: Key Events and Concepts (Part 2)

Activities of the Second Part of the Exam

1. Key Liberal Concepts

   Identify the core liberal concepts: equality before the law, national sovereignty, the separation of powers, the defense of individual liberties, the separation of church and state, the protection of private property, and full freedom of economic activities.

2. Army Involvement in 19th-Century Spanish Politics

   Why do you think the army was involved in national politics during the 19th century? It was the only organized force, and the liberal state often struggled to achieve a more moderate evolution.

3. Unitarians and Federalists in the First Republic

   Do you think the controversy between Unitarians and Federalists in the First Republic has remained until today? Yes, because regions like the Basques and Catalans continue to advocate for greater autonomy or their own state.

Images of the Second Part of the Exam

• Isabel II in an Oil Painting by Federico Madrazo

  This painting depicts Isabel II, who used her political position to favor more moderate policies. She is shown in a formal, seated pose.

• Amadeo I Offering Condolences to General Prim's Widow

  This image depicts Amadeo I offering his condolences to the widow of General Prim. General Prim's death in this attack resulted in the loss of one of the king's main supporters. The image shows Amadeo I shaking hands with the bowed-head widow.