Congress of Verona authorizes French intervention in Spain

Background. The Congress of Verona met from October to December 1822 as part of the Concert of Europe. The Quintuple Alliance powers gathered to address the Spanish Question, specifically the proposed French intervention to support Bourbon royal power. Britain maintained an aloof stance, opposing the principle of intervention, while continental monarchies sought to suppress liberal movements in Spain.

Authorization of Intervention. At Verona, the only question raised was the Spanish Question. The Holy Alliance initially refused Ferdinand VII's request, but the Quintuple Alliance granted France a mandate to intervene. This decision contradicted British opposition. The agreement allowed France to restore the Spanish monarchy, marking a divergence from British policy and a consolidation of continental conservative action.

Treaty and Mobilization. A secret treaty excluding Britain was signed in January 1823, formalizing the French mandate. Louis XVIII announced the mobilization of the Hundred Thousand Sons of Saint Louis. This army was intended to help Spanish Bourbon royalists restore King Ferdinand VII to absolute power, ending the Liberal Triennium and reversing the constitutional gains of the previous years.