Note 291 — BOOK THE FOURTH 1815-1821 (continued 2)

[This Constitution was drawn up by the Spanish Cortes, in session at Cadiz in 1810-1812. Its aim and object was to limit the power of the Crown, and the deputies by their action showed their determination, without any actual disloyalty to the House of Bourbon, to strictly limit Ferdinand’s power whenever he was successful in regaining the throne. On his return to Spain in 1814, Ferdinand’s first act as King was to dissolve the Cortes and abrogate the Constitution, promising another in its stead. The promise, however, was never carried out, and, with all the old Royalist abuses springing up on every side, a veritable reign of terror ensued. In 1820 the standard of revolt was raised in Cadiz, and the movement spread throughout the country. The King at once gave way and restored the Constitution in its original form.]