Spain's Shift to Liberalism: 19th Century Political Transformation (1808–1833)

Spain's Transition: From Absolutism to Liberalism (1808–1833)

In the nineteenth century, Spain, including Catalonia, transitioned from an absolutist regime (similar to the Old Regime) to a liberal political regime. The initial attempts to introduce liberalism occurred during the Peninsular War (also known as the French War) against Napoleon (1808–1814), but the full transition was not achieved until the death of Ferdinand VII in 1833.

The Peninsular War (1808–1814): Birth of Spanish Liberalism

Due to the appointment of a foreign King, Joseph Bonaparte, and the presence of Napoleon's troops, on May 2, 1808, the people of Madrid rose up against the French. This marked the beginning of the Peninsular War (War of Independence).

Agencies were created (Juntas) under the coordination of a Supreme Central Junta. Groups of patriots also formed to attack the French (known as guerrillas).

The war began to favor the Spanish side in 1812, forcing Napoleon to withdraw his army to send troops to Russia. Thanks to the help of Britain, Napoleon's army was defeated in 1813, and Ferdinand VII regained the Spanish crown.

In 1810, the Central Junta convened the Supreme Cortes of Cádiz to draft a Constitution, which was signed in 1812. The basic tenets of political liberalism established were:

• National sovereignty
• Universal male suffrage
• Individual rights
• Equality of all Spaniards before the law and taxes

The Reign of Ferdinand VII (1814–1833) and the Crisis of Absolutism

When Ferdinand VII returned to Spain in 1814, he immediately closed the Cortes of Cádiz, annulled the Constitution, and restored the absolute monarchy. Liberals organized various uprisings (pronunciamientos), but these failed, and the soldiers involved were executed.

The Liberal Triennium (1820–1823)

With the pronunciamiento led by Colonel Riego, the era of the Liberal Triennium began. The King was forced to swear allegiance to the Constitution, hold elections, and declare an amnesty.

Ferdinand VII requested aid from the Holy Alliance, which sent an army to Spain known as the Hundred Thousand Sons of Saint Louis. This army defeated the Liberals, and the absolute monarchy was restored.

Since 1823, repression against Liberals was brutal, yet the crisis of absolutism and the need for reform became increasingly apparent.

Challenges Facing Spain

The country faced significant problems:

• Economic Crisis: The State was ruined by war and the loss of American colonies.
• Dynastic Conflict: The Salic Law, which prevented women from ruling, was abolished by Ferdinand VII so his daughter Isabella could inherit the throne. Ultra-absolutists (later known as Carlists) did not accept this change, defending the right to reign of Prince Charles (Don Carlos), the King's brother.