Monarchy and Liberalism in Spain: The Building of the Nation-State, 1780-1931

This volume is the first book-length study of the rapport between liberalism and the Spanish monarchy over the long nineteenth century, combining original contributions to knowledge with a general overview. The essays discuss the monarchy's relationship with the pre-liberal, liberal, and post-liberal nation-state, from the eve of the French Revolution to the brief republican monarchy of Amadeo I and Alfonso XII's expulsion from Spain following the failure of the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera. The dual approach invites the reader to question the boundaries between the political and the cultural, especially during critical times that witness the transformation of political power and the building of the nation-state.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume is the first book-length study of the intricate relationship between liberalism and the Spanish monarchy across the long nineteenth century, written in any language. It serves as both a comprehensive overview and a valuable contribution to the field of knowledge. The essays explore the evolving dynamics between the monarchy and the pre-liberal, liberal, and post-liberal nation-states, spanning from the eve of the French Revolution, when the monarchy governed a perceived "natural order," to the tumultuous reign of Isabel II, marked by revolutions that ultimately led to her exile. They also examine the brief republican monarchy of Amadeo I, the often criticized foreign king, and Alfonso XII's expulsion from Spain following the failure of the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera.

The essays adopt a dual thematic-analytical approach, focusing on two primary axes. The first axis, political, delves into the monarch's encounters with and adaptations to liberalism, a political force driven by the goal of nationalizing the Spanish people. The second axis, cultural, examines the Crown's support of liberalism's nationalizing aims through various staging strategies, including visits, rituals, ceremonies, iconography, religiosity, and familial and military display. By employing this dual approach, the essays encourage readers to contemplate the boundaries between politics and culture, particularly in the realm of ceremonial practices, particularly during critical periods witnessing the transformation of political power and the establishment of nation-states.

This collection is meticulously designed for Hispanists, students of politics, ritual, liberalism, and monarchy. It will undoubtedly appeal to academics, researchers, and anyone with an interest in modern European history. The essays offer insightful perspectives and detailed analyses, shedding light on the complex interplay between these historical forces and contributing to our understanding of the intricate relationship between liberalism, monarchy, and the shaping of modern Europe.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367633820