Short resume about the Spanish War of Independence

1. Spain: occupation and
liberation
Napoleon, the War of Independence and the political
revolution of the 19th century in Spain

2. 1. Napoleon’s occupation of Spain
- 1807 Treaty of Fontainebleau
French
troops entered Spain to conquer Portugal.
- French army occupied Spain
- Carlos IV and his son, Fernando, renounced
their rights to the Spanish throne
Napoleon
- Joseph Bonaparte king in 1808

3. 2. The Spanish War of Independence
- 2 May 1808, Madrid population rose up
against the invaders
War
- War itself
- Processes during war
- Political revolution

4. 2.1 The War
- Battle of Bailén, victory for Spain
- Napoleón controlled the Peninsula
- Guerrillas
- Duke of Wellington led British Army
- Defeat of the French in 1813

5. 2.2 The political revolution
Two separate governments
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Joseph Bonaparte
Bayonne Constitution
(enlightened reforms,
equality)
Few supporters,
afrancesados
Most of the population
rejected his authority
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The Central Council
Areas not controlled by the
French. Cádiz
Elected by Spaniards
Represented absent
Fernando
Regency Council in 1810

6. The Cortes of Cádiz and the Constitution
of 1812
19 March 1812
1. Constitutional monarchy
2. Popular sovereignty
3. Limited male suffrage
4. Separation of powers
5. Guaranteed rights and freedoms