Cortes of Cádiz promulgates the Spanish Constitution of 1812

Background. The Supreme Central Junta, retreating before the advancing French and a yellow fever outbreak, moved to Isla de León and abolished itself, leaving a regency to rule until the Cortes could convene. The General and Extraordinary Cortes met in Cádiz from 24 September 1810, claiming legitimacy as the sole representative of Spanish sovereignty after the French invasion and the abdications of Ferdinand VII and Charles IV.

Composition of the Cortes. When the Cortes first convened on 24 September 1810, 104 deputies were present, including 30 interim delegates representing overseas territories who had been living in Spain at the time of the French invasion. The majority were liberal deputies with implicit British support protecting the city, while Church and nobility representatives formed a minority. The Cortes met as a single body rather than divided into estates.

Promulgation of La Pepa. The Constitution was ratified on 19 March 1812 by the Cortes of Cádiz, the first Spanish legislature to include delegates from the entire nation and its possessions, including Spanish America and the Philippines. It was signed in March 1812 but not promulgated immediately throughout the empire; publication in the viceroyalties followed later in 1812 and 1813.

Significance and Aftermath. The Constitution established a constitutional monarchy and eliminated many institutions that privileged some groups over others. It became the 'sacred code' of liberalism and a model for the Norwegian, Portuguese, and Mexican constitutions. When Ferdinand VII returned to power in 1814, he dissolved the Cortes, abrogated the constitution, and re-established absolute monarchy.