ESPAÑA EN EL SIGLO XIX | De Fernando VII al Sexenio Democrático (1814 - 1874)

Summary

This video delves into Spain's tumultuous 19th-century history, highlighting the reign of King Fernando VII, whose betrayal of liberal ideals sparked rebellion and conflict. Following his return to power after the War of Independence, he abolished the 1812 Constitution, leading to a brief liberal period before a return to absolutism. The subsequent Carlist Wars emerged from a succession crisis after Fernando's death, pitting supporters of his daughter Isabel II against those loyal to his brother Carlos. The narrative culminates in the establishment of the First Spanish Republic, which faced significant challenges and ultimately gave way to the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy.

Takeaways

• 👑 Fernando VII is viewed negatively in Spanish history due to his betrayal of his father and opposition to liberal reforms.
• 📜 The War of Independence in Spain was initiated partly due to Fernando VII's actions and his betrayal of the liberals fighting in his name.
• 🚫 Upon becoming king, Fernando VII abolished the Cádiz Constitution, rejecting the hopes of liberals for a constitutional monarchy.
• ⚔️ The pronunciamiento led by Colonel Rafael de Riego in 1820 marked a significant liberal uprising, forcing Fernando VII to temporarily accept constitutional rule.
• ⏳ The Trienio Liberal (1820-1823) was the only period in Spanish history when the Cádiz Constitution was fully implemented.
• 🌍 The intervention of the Holy Alliance in 1823 resulted in the restoration of Fernando VII's absolute monarchy and a decade of repression against liberals.
• 👶 Following Fernando VII's death in 1833, a succession crisis emerged when he named his daughter Isabel as heir, disregarding the Salic Law.
• ⚔️ The Carlist Wars arose from the conflict between supporters of Isabel II and her uncle Carlos, reflecting the ongoing struggle between liberal and absolutist ideologies.
• 👩‍👧 Isabel II's reign began under her mother's regency, leading to political instability and the eventual emergence of moderate and progressive factions among liberals.
• 📉 The First Spanish Republic (1873) was short-lived, facing numerous challenges from both liberals and monarchists before the monarchy was restored under Alfonso XII.

Q & A

What significant event marked Fernando VII's return to Spain in 1814?

Fernando VII returned to Spain after the War of Independence, facing expectations from liberals who hoped he would support the 1812 Constitution.

Why did Fernando VII's relationship with the liberals deteriorate?

His initial acceptance of the 1812 Constitution was short-lived; he later retracted it and aligned with absolutist forces, leading to conflict with liberals.

What was the outcome of the Riego Pronunciation in 1820?

The Riego Pronunciation resulted in a temporary liberal government, forcing Fernando VII to swear allegiance to the Constitution.

What role did the Holy Alliance play in Fernando VII's reign?

The Holy Alliance supported Fernando VII in restoring his absolute monarchy by intervening against liberal uprisings, such as the Riego Pronunciation.

What triggered the Carlist Wars after Fernando VII's death?

The succession crisis arose because Fernando VII named his daughter Isabel II as heir, which contradicted the Salic law, leading to conflict with his brother Carlos.

How did Isabel II's reign reflect the political tensions of the time?

Isabel II's reign was marked by instability, frequent changes in government, and the emergence of factions within the liberal movement.

What was the significance of the Pacto de Ostende?

The Pacto de Ostende was an agreement between progressive liberals and democrats to depose Isabel II, leading to the establishment of a more progressive government.

Why did the First Spanish Republic struggle to maintain power?

The First Republic faced opposition from both monarchists and internal divisions among republicans, leading to its collapse in less than a year.

What prompted the restoration of the monarchy in 1874?

The instability and failures of the First Spanish Republic led General Martínez Campos to stage a coup and restore the Bourbon monarchy under Alfonso XII.

How did regional movements impact the political landscape during the First Republic?

Various provinces declared themselves independent cantons, exacerbating the fragmentation and challenges faced by the central government during the First Republic.