Spanish War of Independence: Key Events and Cadiz Constitution

The War of Independence: Background and Conflict

Background

The conflict began following the Abdication of Bayonne. After popular mutinies, Joseph Bonaparte was installed as King of Spain by France, leading to widespread insurrection.

Sides of the Conflict

• Pro-French Faction: Joseph Bonaparte, supported by Francophiles (opportunists and enlightened modernizers).
• Spanish Insurrectionists: Supported three main groups backing Ferdinand VII:
  • Liberals (desiring a liberal monarchy).
  • Absolutists (desiring absolute monarchy).

Development of the War

Rebellious zones organized local anti-French governing bodies:

• Local boards (nobility and clergy).
• Provincial and Central Supreme Juntas (managed the war and governed the country).
• The Regency Council in Cadiz (acted on behalf of the absent king).

The conflict pitted the Napoleonic army against guerrillas supported by the British.

Stages of the War

1. Until November 1808: Initial phase; included the Battle of Bailén (a victory for the Spanish forces against Joseph I).
2. Until January 1812: Marked by British participation and the rise of popular guerrilla warfare.
3. War's End: Complications for Napoleon in Europe, coupled with English and Portuguese support, led to the French withdrawal. The war concluded with the Treaty of Valençay in 1813, restoring King Ferdinand VII.

The Cortes of Cadiz and Liberal Reforms

Purpose of the Cortes

The Cortes aimed to establish a legal basis to modernize the country.

First Attempt at Liberal Resolution

The Supreme Central Junta (composed of nobility, clergy, and city representatives) transferred its powers to the Regency Council in Cadiz, which then called for the assembly of the Cortes.

Assembly Composition

The assembly operated without distinct estates; each member held one vote. Deputies were elected from provincial representatives (men over 25 years old) and included churchmen, lawyers, military officers, and intellectuals, but notably not farmers. South Americans were also represented in Cadiz.

Key Decrees and Liberal Goals

The Cortes sought to:

• Establish a Constitution: Liberal inspiration aimed against absolutism (e.g., abolishing the fuero real).
• Support National Sovereignty: Shifting power away from the monarch.
• Implement Reforms: Economic freedom (abolition of the manorial regime, freedom of property and labor), legal equality (abolition of noble and clergy privileges), and establishing a parliamentary political system.
• Guarantee Freedoms: Including freedom of the press and ending certain forms of taxation.

The Constitution of 1812

Nature of the Constitution

This was the first Spanish Constitution (the Bayonne Statute was granted under French influence). It represented a compromise between liberals and absolutists, establishing a liberal state while maintaining Catholic rights.

Contents and Structure

• National Sovereignty: Power resided in the nation.
• Limited Monarchy.
• Separation of Powers:
  • Legislative power held by the Cortes.
  • Judicial power.
  • Executive power held by the King, with broad authority over laws, succession, and international treaties (though limited by the Constitution).

Fundamental Rights

The Constitution guaranteed:

• Equality before the law.
• Inviolability of domicile.
• Freedom of the press.
• Suffrage.
• Judicial guarantees.

Limitation: There was no freedom of religion; Catholicism remained the sole official religion. Elections were based on universal male suffrage for those over 25, with delegates elected by clergy.