Spain's Political Evolution: From Absolutism to the 20th Century

Charles IV and the Napoleonic Era

During the reign of Charles IV, the outbreak of the French Revolution led to the closure of borders and the implementation of repressive policies. In 1796, Manuel Godoy shifted Spain's political alliance towards France. Godoy later signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau, which allowed French troops to enter Spain.

The presence of French troops in Spain, coupled with widespread discontent with the king and Godoy, led to the Mutiny of Aranjuez. Charles IV was forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Ferdinand VII. However, Napoleon later compelled both Ferdinand and Charles to abdicate, placing his brother Joseph Bonaparte on the Spanish throne.

The Cadiz Cortes and Political Divisions

The Cortes of Cádiz included members from the nobility, clergy, and bourgeoisie. They were divided into three main factions:

• Liberals
• Enlightened Reformers
• Absolutists

Ferdinand VII: Absolutism and Colonial Independence

The reign of Ferdinand VII saw the restoration of absolutism, aided by the Holy Alliance, which abolished the constitutional monarchy. Key periods included the Ominous Decade and the independence of the American colonies.

This independence was driven by the pressure exerted by Spain and the revolutionary movements led by Creole figures such as:

• José de San Martín
• Simón Bolívar
• Antonio José de Sucre

The Regencies: Maria Christina and Espartero

The period of the Regencies began with Maria Christina, as her daughter Isabella was too young to rule. Due to popular revolts, the Queen appointed a progressive government led by Juan Álvarez Mendizábal. This was followed by the moderate regency of Baldomero Espartero.

The Liberal State and Isabella II's Reign

This era encompassed the reign of Queen Isabella II, characterized by:

• The Moderate Decade
• The Progressive Biennium
• Her final years of reign

It was followed by the Democratic Sexennium and the First Republic, before the monarchy was reinstated with Alfonso XII.

The Bourbon Restoration and Political System

The Restoration period saw the re-establishment of the Bourbon monarchy under Alfonso XII. Political stability was maintained through the 'turnismo' system, where the Conservative Party and Liberal Party fraudulently alternated in government for approximately 40 years, largely due to the influence of local 'caciques'.

The Crisis of 1898 and Its Impact

The Crisis of 1898 stemmed from the Cuban War of Independence and the subsequent intervention of the United States. Spain's defeat resulted in the loss of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. The conflict had severe economic and psychological consequences for Spain.

Economic Challenges and Social Movements

Land Reform

The feudal system was dissolved, and the process of disentailment (confiscation of church and communal lands) began.

Factors Impeding Industrialization

Several factors hindered the widespread extension of industrialization in Spain:

• The lack of investment capital
• The absence of a robust internal market
• The scarcity of energy resources
• The lack of a developed transport and communications network
• Limited overall investment

Key Ideologies

Prominent political ideologies included:

• Anarchism: Encompassing Anarcho-syndicalism and Anarcho-communism
• Marxism: Represented by the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party)