Spanish Revolution of 1820
Background
The Spanish Revolution of 1820 was a pivotal event in the history of Spain, marking the beginning of a liberal period known as the Trienio Liberal. This revolution was part of a broader wave of revolutionary movements that swept across Europe in the early 19th century, influenced by the liberal and nationalist ideologies that emerged from the French Revolution. The revolution began as a military uprising led by Colonel Rafael del Riego, which aimed to restore the Spanish Constitution of 1812, also known as the Constitution of Cádiz. This constitution had been abolished by King Ferdinand VII upon his return to power in 1814, leading to the re-establishment of absolute monarchy.
Causes
The causes of the Spanish Revolution of 1820 can be traced back to several factors. Firstly, the economic difficulties faced by Spain in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars created widespread discontent. The war had devastated the Spanish economy, leading to high unemployment and inflation. Secondly, the influence of liberal ideas, which had been suppressed under Ferdinand VII's absolutist regime, continued to spread among the educated classes and the military. The Peninsular War had exposed many Spaniards to new political ideas, and the return to absolutism was seen as a step backward.
Additionally, the failure of the monarchy to address the grievances of various social groups, including the bourgeoisie, the military, and the peasants, further fueled the revolutionary fervor. The Inquisition and censorship had stifled intellectual and cultural life, creating a desire for reform and modernization. The influence of secret societies, such as the Freemasons, also played a role in organizing and spreading revolutionary ideas.
The Uprising
The revolution began on January 1, 1820, when Colonel Rafael del Riego led a military uprising in the town of Las Cabezas de San Juan, near Seville. Riego's forces, composed primarily of soldiers who were supposed to be sent to suppress independence movements in Latin America, instead turned against the monarchy. The uprising quickly gained support from other military units and spread across the country.
The revolutionaries demanded the restoration of the Constitution of 1812, which had established a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system and guaranteed civil liberties. Faced with widespread unrest and the defection of key military units, Ferdinand VII was forced to concede to the demands of the revolutionaries. On March 9, 1820, he reluctantly agreed to reinstate the Constitution of 1812, marking the beginning of the Trienio Liberal.
The Trienio Liberal (1820-1823)
The Trienio Liberal was a period of significant political and social change in Spain. The restored Constitution of 1812 established a constitutional monarchy, with a parliamentary system and a separation of powers. The Cortes (parliament) was given the authority to legislate, while the king's powers were limited.
During this period, the government implemented a series of liberal reforms aimed at modernizing the country. These included the abolition of feudal privileges, the reduction of the power of the Catholic Church, and the establishment of a free press. The government also sought to address economic issues by promoting industrialization and trade.
However, the Trienio Liberal faced significant challenges. The conservative forces, including the Royalists and the Catholic Church, opposed the liberal reforms and sought to restore the absolute monarchy. The government also faced internal divisions, with moderate and radical liberals disagreeing on the extent and pace of reforms.
International Context and Intervention
The Spanish Revolution of 1820 had significant international implications. It inspired similar movements in other European countries, such as Portugal, Italy, and Greece, contributing to the broader wave of revolutionary activity known as the Revolutions of 1820. However, it also alarmed the conservative monarchies of Europe, who viewed the spread of liberal ideas as a threat to their own power.
In 1822, the Congress of Verona, part of the Concert of Europe, authorized a French intervention to restore the Spanish monarchy. In April 1823, a French army, known as the Hundred Thousand Sons of Saint Louis, invaded Spain to suppress the liberal government. Despite resistance from the Spanish liberals, the French forces quickly advanced, and by October 1823, Ferdinand VII was restored to absolute power.
Aftermath and Legacy
The restoration of Ferdinand VII marked the end of the Trienio Liberal and the re-establishment of absolute monarchy in Spain. The king abolished the Constitution of 1812 and reversed the liberal reforms, leading to a period of repression known as the Ominous Decade (1823-1833). Many liberal leaders were executed, imprisoned, or exiled, and the Inquisition was reinstated.
Despite its failure, the Spanish Revolution of 1820 had a lasting impact on Spanish society and politics. It demonstrated the strength of liberal and nationalist sentiments in Spain and laid the groundwork for future movements. The revolution also highlighted the tensions between conservative and liberal forces, which would continue to shape Spanish history throughout the 19th century.