LAS CORTES DE CÁDIZ Y LA CONSTITUCIÓN DE 1812 📝 ¡Explicado en la misma CÁDIZ!

Introduction to Cádiz and the Constitution of 1812

The video introduces the city of Cádiz as a significant location for studying the Cortes de Cádiz and the Constitution of 1812. It highlights the historical context of the War of Independence in Spain and how Cádiz became a refuge from French invasion.

The Significance of Cádiz during the War of Independence

• In 1812, most of Spain was invaded by French forces, leaving only Cádiz as a stronghold against Napoleon's army.

• The Oratorio San Felipe Neri in Cádiz became the meeting place for the Cortes, where they resisted the French invasion.

Formation of the Cortes Constituyentes

• The Junta Central, which resisted French occupation, sought refuge further south and eventually gathered in Cádiz in 1810.

• The Junta Central transformed into Cortes Constituyentes with two main types of deputies: liberals influenced by Enlightenment ideas and absolutists favoring monarchy.

Promulgation of the Constitution

• After more than 1,400 sessions lasting up to four hours each, on March 19th, 1812, the Cortes promulgated the Constitution.

• This historic event took place at Oratorio San Felipe Neri with delegates elected by citizens for the first time.

Description of Cádiz

This section provides an overview of Cádiz as a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and known for its narrow streets and rich history. It emphasizes its strategic location between Africa and Europe.

Geographical Features

• Cádiz is located on a beautiful peninsula almost entirely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.

• The city experiences strong Levante winds that contribute to its unique atmosphere.

Historical Significance

• Cádiz played a crucial role during the War of Independence as the last resistance against French invasion.

• The city's strategic location between Africa and Europe, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, made it an impregnable stronghold.

The War of Independence and José Bonaparte

This section provides background information on the War of Independence in Spain and the involvement of José Bonaparte. It highlights how Cádiz became a significant location during this period.

The War of Independence

• In 1812, France invaded Spain and Portugal with the aim to overthrow King Fernando VII and replace him with Napoleon's brother, José Bonaparte.

• Cádiz became one of the main centers of resistance against French occupation.

Cádiz as a Last Defense

• As French forces advanced, the Junta Central had to seek refuge further south, eventually gathering in Cádiz in 1810.

• Cádiz was chosen due to its strategic location and became the last defense against Napoleon's army.

Oratorio San Felipe Neri

This section focuses on Oratorio San Felipe Neri, where the Cortes de Cádiz held their meetings. It explains why this location was significant for resisting French invasion.

Gathering Place for Resistance

• Oratorio San Felipe Neri served as a meeting place for delegates during two years of intense sessions.

• Over 1,400 sessions took place at this location, lasting up to four hours each.

Promulgation of the Constitution

• On March 19th, 1812, at Oratorio San Felipe Neri, delegates promulgated the Constitution that had been drafted during these sessions.

• This historic event marked a shift towards citizen-elected representatives in Spanish politics.

The Museum of the Cortes

This section introduces the Museum of the Cortes in Cádiz, which provides further information about the historical events surrounding the Cortes de Cádiz and the Constitution of 1812.

Artistic Representations

• The museum houses various artworks from the time period, including paintings depicting important figures and events related to the Constitution.

• One notable painting is "La Proclamación de las Cortes," which portrays the reading of the Constitution outside Oratorio San Felipe Neri.

Maquette of Cádiz

• A significant exhibit in the museum is a detailed maquette representing late 18th-century Cádiz.

• This wooden model was commissioned by King Carlos III and offers insights into how Cádiz appeared during the time of the Cortes and Constitution.

Plaza de Argüelles and Defense Walls

This section highlights Plaza de Argüelles as a significant location associated with the Cortes de Cádiz. It also mentions San Carlos defense walls, which played a crucial role during the War of Independence.

Plaza de Argüelles

• Plaza de Argüelles was frequented by hundreds of deputies attending sessions at the Cortes.

• It is named after one of those deputies, who was responsible for drafting parts of the Constitution related to individual liberties.

San Carlos Defense Walls

• The San Carlos defense walls were constructed in the 18th century to protect Cádiz during times of conflict.

• These walls, armed with 90 cannons, successfully defended against French sieges during the War of Independence.

Introduction to Plaza de San Antonio

This section introduces the famous Plaza de San Antonio in Cadiz, Spain. It highlights the historical significance of the plaza as a meeting place for politicians and discusses its proximity to the Oratorio San Felipe Neri.

Plaza de San Antonio

• The Plaza de San Antonio is a significant location in Cadiz, both in the present day and during the 19th century.

• It was a gathering place for politicians who held sessions at the nearby Oratorio San Felipe Neri.

• The plaza served as a venue for discussions on politics, society, and economy.

Duke of Wellington's Residence

This section focuses on a house where the Duke of Wellington stayed in December 1812. It provides background information about the Duke's role in the Peninsular War and his victory over Napoleon at Waterloo.

Residence of Duke of Wellington

• Located at Calle Veedor No. 3, this house was once occupied by the Duke of Wellington.

• The Duke of Wellington was an important figure in the 19th century, commanding Hispanic-British forces during the Peninsular War and later defeating Napoleon at Waterloo.

Church of El Carmen

This section highlights the Church of El Carmen and its significance as a venue for traditional ceremonies related to the Constitution. It also mentions historical artifacts from Napoleonic wars displayed around Cadiz.

Church of El Carmen

• The Church of El Carmen hosted traditional ceremonies such as Te Deum, which celebrated the promulgation of the Constitution.

• The church is dedicated to Virgen del Carmen, who is revered as protector of Cadiz's sailors.

• In central Cadiz, there are numerous artifacts from the Napoleonic wars, including cannons and trucks placed to protect street corners near the fishing port and the plaza.

Monument to the Cortes

This section discusses the Monument to the Cortes, an impressive sculptural work commemorating the centenary of the Constitution in 1912. It also reveals a nickname given by locals to this monument.

Monument to the Cortes

• The Monument to the Cortes is located in Plaza de Espana and was constructed in 1912 to celebrate the centenary of the Constitution.

• Locals affectionately refer to it as "El Recogedor" due to its unique shape.

• The Constitution of 1812, which this monument represents, is characterized by principles such as separation of powers, national sovereignty, freedom, equality, and a parliamentary monarchy.

Key Characteristics of the Constitution

This section highlights three key characteristics of the Constitution of 1812: separation of powers, national sovereignty, and a parliamentary monarchy.

Key Characteristics

• The Constitution of 1812 is based on ideas such as separation of powers and national sovereignty.

• The text declares that sovereignty resides with Spanish people and guarantees freedom and equality for all citizens.

• Spain's state structure is defined as a parliamentary monarchy with King Fernando VII at its center (although absent) and representation through Cortes in Cadiz.

Limitations and Importance of the Constitution

This section acknowledges limitations imposed on the Constitution due to factors like church influence but recognizes its significance as a pioneering work that modernized Spain. It also mentions how it continues to resonate today.

Limitations and Importance

• Despite its advancements, certain sectors like the church influenced the Constitution, leading to the preservation of privileges from the previous absolutist regime.

• Nevertheless, the Constitution of 1812 is recognized as a pioneering work that modernized Spain and laid the foundation for liberal and enlightened principles.

• Its importance is evident in its bicentennial celebration in 2012, where political figures emphasized its significance for unity, freedom, and well-being of all Spaniards.

Impact on Iberoamerican Culture

This section highlights how the Constitution of 1812 had a significant impact on Iberoamerican culture and contributed to constitutional developments in Europe.

Impact on Iberoamerican Culture

• The Constitution of 1812 left a lasting impact on Iberoamerican culture within the realm of Western political thought.

• It served as an impetus for constitutional developments in Europe.

• Despite its short-lived influence due to Fernando VII's restoration, it marked a shift towards recognizing popular sovereignty within a monarchy.

Conclusion and Restoration

This section concludes by acknowledging that despite its brief influence, Fernando VII's restoration undermined the achievements of Cadiz's Constitution. However, it emphasizes the progress made during this period.

Conclusion and Restoration

• The impetus provided by Cadiz's Constitution was short-lived with Fernando VII's restoration, which led to the dismantling of its achievements.

• Nonetheless, it is important to recognize the advancements made during this period when Spain legislated based on liberal and enlightened ideas.

Farewell

This section concludes with final remarks about Cadiz's significance in relation to Cortes de Cadiz and their constitution. It encourages viewers to subscribe for more content.

Farewell

• The video bids farewell from Calle Ancha, a central location in Cadiz, and expresses hope that viewers enjoyed the introduction to Cortes de Cadiz and its Constitution.

• The Constitution of 1812 is recognized as a significant milestone not only in Spanish history but also globally.

• Viewers are encouraged to subscribe and like the video for future content.

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