Spain's Napoleonic Wars and Path to Modernity (1788-1833)

Spain's Tumultuous Era: 1788-1833

The Napoleonic Invasion and Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814)

Precursors to Conflict

The period leading up to the war was marked by significant political shifts:

• 1788: Charles IV ascended the Spanish throne.
• 1795: Peace was signed with France.
• From 1799: With Napoleon's rise to power, Spain became a satellite state of France.
• 1807: The Treaty of Fontainebleau was signed.
• 1808: Ferdinand VII staged a coup d'état against his father, Charles IV.

Key Events of 1808

• Events in Bayonne: Napoleon managed to lure both Charles IV and Ferdinand VII, forcing their abdication.
• Madrid Mutinies: On May 2, 1808, mutinies erupted in Madrid against the French occupation.
• King of Spain: Joseph Bonaparte was installed as the new King of Spain.
• The insurrection quickly spread throughout the occupied territories.

Opposing Factions

The conflict divided Spain into two main sides:

1. The Spain of Joseph Bonaparte: Occupied by the French army, this faction had the support of the Afrancesados (Francophiles).
2. The Spain of the Resistance: This faction claimed to fight on behalf of Ferdinand VII. They were internally divided into:
   • Liberals: Advocated for a constitutional monarchy.
   • Absolutists: Desired the restoration of absolute monarchy.

Phases of the War

The war saw the creation of new administrative bodies and distinct phases:

• Local boards were created, followed by Provincial Juntas and the Supreme Central Junta, which eventually transferred powers to the Council of Regency.
• The conflict pitted the Napoleonic Army against British forces and popular Spanish guerrilla armies.

The war unfolded in three main periods:

1. Until 1808: Prominence of Spanish resistance.
2. From 1808 to 1812: Napoleon's direct involvement in the conflict.
3. From 1812 to the End: The rebels took the initiative, leading to the 1813 Treaty of Valençay.

Consequences of the War

The Spanish War of Independence had profound and lasting consequences:

• Extensive looting of Spanish artistic heritage.
• Emergence of a strong national sentiment.
• Advancement of Hispano-American independence ideas.
• Widespread destruction across the country.

The Cadiz Cortes and the Constitution of 1812

The Cortes of Cádiz

The Cortes of Cádiz were composed of deputies who aimed to proclaim the first Spanish constitution. On September 24, 1810, Muñoz Torrero inaugurated the new regime, formulating key principles:

• National sovereignty
• Separation of powers
• Inviolability of members

Measures were also enacted to dismantle the Ancien Régime.

The Constitution of 1812 ("La Pepa")

Promulgated on March 19, 1812, the Constitution of 1812 reflected a new concept of the state. Key principles included:

• A constitutional monarchy.
• Courts appointed by citizens.
• The inviolability of deputies.
• Recognition of individual rights.

Ferdinand VII's Reign and Political Turmoil (1814-1833)

Restoration of Absolutism (1814)

Upon his return in 1814, Ferdinand VII abolished the Constitution of 1812, restoring absolute monarchy. This move was supported by the Manifesto of the Persians.

The Liberal Triennium (1820-1823)

The Riego's Insurrection in 1820 forced Ferdinand VII to restore the Constitution of 1812, ushering in a period known as the Liberal Triennium (1820-1823).

The Ominous Decade (1823-1833)

Following the intervention of the Holy Alliance, absolutism was restored. This period, known as the Ominous Decade, was characterized by severe persecution of fervent liberals until 1826.

Latin American Independence Movements

Underlying Causes

The independence movements in Latin America were fueled by several factors:

• Enlightenment ideology and revolutionary events in Europe and Spain.
• The growing discontent of the Creoles (descendants of Europeans born in the Americas).
• The Spanish commercial monopoly, which led to economic ruin for many in the colonies.

Evolution of the Movements

The independence process unfolded in two main periods:

1. First Period (1810-1814): Main independence foci emerged in Mexico, Venezuela, and Argentina, taking advantage of the fact that much of the peninsular territory was occupied by Napoleon.
2. Second Period (1815-1824): Occurring during Ferdinand VII's reign, these movements gained momentum, supported by the UK and the U.S., and influenced by Riego's uprising in Spain.

Far-Reaching Implications

The independence of Latin American colonies had significant consequences:

• Spain was relegated from the European political context.
• The vast Spanish colonial empire decomposed into numerous independent republics.