Origins and evolution of the liberal movement in Spain. The Iberism

Worthy of note within the Spanish history is the role of the 1808 Generation. Its main task is to start up the substitution of the absolutist regime for a liberal model. In the political arena, the ability shown by the Spanish people to self-govern is surprising. In less than a trimester, a new government is formed: The Supreme Central Board. The freedom of the press and the elaboration of the first Constitution (1812) is good proof of the efficiency achieved, given the critical situation. On military affairs the movement resorts to “total war”: to the peasants especially, base of the “guerrilla” volunteering; also on weaponry: each one fights with what is at hand. The economic, social, political and even psychological consequences are very high, which will be latent for at least half a century of instability between liberal and absolutist governments. The Iberism will gain strength as an alternative, both in Portugal and Spain, against England and France respectively.