3-The War of Independence

The French invasion caused an uprising in Madrid on 2 May 1808 and the War of Independence began. However, it was not only a war against France but also a civil war in Spain about who the monarch should be.

With the help of the British, the French were defeated and, in 1814, Napoleon recognised Fernando as King of Spain. 

This meant the return of absolutism.

4-The Constitution of 1812

Cádiz was the only place that was not under French rule and delegates met there to draw up a Spanish constitution, which was signed in 1812. It was the most liberal constitution of its time and the first in Spain. The Constitution established:

• Freedom of the press
• Equality for all
• Voting rights for all men over 18
• Freedom of expression
• National sovereignty
• A constitutional monarchy

However, it was abolished in 1814 when Fernando VII came to the throne.