Constitution of Cádiz
Quick Summary
The Constitution of Cadiz, enacted in 1812, was a landmark liberal document in Spanish history. It emerged during the Peninsular War, when Spain was resisting French occupation. The Cortes, or parliament, met in Cadiz and, dominated by liberals, drafted a constitution that established a limited monarchy, a unicameral parliament, and a centralized administration. It championed liberal individualism, advocating for property rights and the abolition of the Inquisition. This constitution became a foundational text for liberalism in Latin America. The war also introduced the concept of the pronunciamiento, or military coup, as a political tool.1
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history of Latin AmericaThe independence of Latin America…it produced a new, liberal constitution that proclaimed Spain’s American possessions to be full members of the kingdom and not mere colonies. Yet the Creoles who participated in the new Cortes were denied equal representation. Moreover, the Cortes would not concede permanent free trade to the Americans and obstinately refused…
Read More…it produced a new, liberal constitution that proclaimed Spain’s American possessions to be full members of the kingdom and not mere colonies. Yet the Creoles who participated in the new Cortes were denied equal representation. Moreover, the Cortes would not concede permanent free trade to the Americans and obstinately refused…
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SpainThe Constitution of Cadiz, 1812The constitution of 1812 was to become the “sacred codex” of Latin liberalism.
Read MoreThe constitution of 1812 was to become the “sacred codex” of Latin liberalism.
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