The Constitution of 1812: An Exercise in Spanish Constitutional Thought
Open Access
- Author:
- Muck, Allison Palmer
- Area of Honors:
- History
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Amy S Greenberg, Thesis Supervisor
Dr. Michael James Milligan, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- Spain
Constitution of 1812
Cadiz
Spanish liberalism - Abstract:
- In March of 1812, the Spanish representative assembly known as the Cortes promulgated a decidedly liberal constitution in the midst of Napoleonic invasion. The Constitution of 1812 governed Spain for the next two years until its abrogation upon the return of Fernando VII. This momentary interval of liberalism appears as an unexpected development in the history of Spain. Undoubtedly, the Constitution’s liberal, progressive, and reformist sentiments differ greatly from the conservative national culture and traditional institutions of Spain at this moment in history. This thesis addresses the causes leading Spain to adopt a constitution intent on empowering the representative Cortes, limiting the Spanish monarchy, and unifying the Spanish nation. Inherent in this project is an analysis of the distinctly Spanish brand of liberalism which attempted to combine both liberal and nationalist sentiments within the Constitution’s provisions. The rhetoric of the Constitution’s drafters claims to be attempting to revive an ancient Spanish constitution and system of government where strong representative institutions and a written constitution upheld the individual rights of the Spanish people. Upon assessment, this historical construction both aligns with the liberalism of contemporary Europe and ignores historical realities. Based on the evidence presented in this project, the Constitution of 1812 appears as a liberal expression brought about by a careful study of foreign principles and moderated by concessions to traditional national institutions. In this interpretation, liberal rhetoric disseminated in Spain exists as a calculating reconciliation of liberal principles with national feeling, thereby gaining popular support for an unprecedented constitution.