Constitución de Bayona - Episodio 2

200 Years of Guatemalan Constitutionalism

Historical Context and the Bayonne Constitution

• The Instituto de Justicia Constitucional presents a discussion on 200 years of constitutionalism in Guatemala.

• In 1807, treaties were signed between Napoleon and King Carlos I of Spain, allowing French troops to invade Portugal, which was allied with England.

• Tensions arose between King Carlos I and his son Fernando VI, leading to Napoleon's forces entering Spain in 1808.

• Carlos IV was forced to abdicate at Bayonne, where Napoleon imposed the Bayonne Constitution without consulting the Spanish people.

• The Bayonne Constitution centralized power in the monarchy while introducing some individual rights inspired by the French Revolution.

Reactions in Spain and Guatemala

• José I, Napoleon's brother, became king but faced widespread rejection from the Spanish populace known as "afrancesados."

• In Guatemala, there was a refusal to accept the Bayonne Constitution; instead, loyalty was pledged to Fernando VI with celebrations planned for December 12, 1808.

• The Ayuntamiento of Guatemala elected Antonio de la Razábal y Rivillaga as a representative to the Cortes following instructions from Spain’s regency.

Political Developments and Representation

• The Bayonne Constitution lacked popular support as it was imposed rather than elected; it also established Catholicism as the only recognized religion.

• As war intensified between Spain and France, governance shifted towards juntas that eventually recognized Fernando VI despite his captivity.

• A call for Cortes convened in Cádiz led to sessions starting in 1810 amidst ongoing conflict.

Contributions of Guatemalan Representatives

• Larra Zábal arrived in Cádiz representing Guatemala but did not join until 1811; he brought proposals advocating for trade freedom and equality based on instructions from Peinado.

• These proposals formed a foundation for Zábal's speeches at Cortes where he gained prominence due to his eloquence and preparation.

Emergence of Liberal Ideas

• By 1811, Zábal was elected president of the Spanish Cortes amid efforts by around 250 deputies working on liberal reforms influenced by Enlightenment ideas.