Ferdinand VII abolishes the Spanish Constitution of 1812

Background. The Constitution of 1812, ratified by the Cortes of Cádiz in March 1812, defined Spanish liberalism and included delegates from the entire nation. Ferdinand VII, known as 'the Desired' before 1813, was asked to rule under this liberal constitution upon his return. However, he only gave lukewarm guarantees to liberals before entering Spanish soil, setting the stage for his subsequent rejection of the charter.

Abolition and Restoration of Absolutism. Upon returning to power in 1814, Ferdinand VII dissolved the Cortes and abrogated the constitution, re-establishing absolute monarchy. On 4 May 1814, he publicly declared all Spanish freemasons to be traitors, an act associated with the reinstatement of the Inquisition and Jesuits. This marked a definitive break from the liberal period, as he rejected the 1812 charter despite earlier assurances.

Immediate Consequences. Following the abolition, Ferdinand VII suppressed the liberal press from 1814 to 1833, jailing many editors and writers. His rule was characterized by erratic behavior, with ministers changing every few months. The abolition contributed to the perception of him as 'the Criminal King' after 1813, contrasting with his earlier reputation as 'the Desired' during the Peninsular War.