COUP D'ÉTAT OF THE PENINSULARES: MAIN CHARACTERISTICS - HISTORY - 2024

The rebellion led by Gabriel de Yermo and 300 other peninsulares to overthrow Viceroy José de Iturrigaray, on September 15, 1808 in the viceroyalty of New Spain, an American colony of Spain, was called a coup d'état of the peninsulares.

As a result of this coup, Pedro Garibay was proclaimed the new viceroy, justifying the violent measure as an act in compliance with the popular will.

Napoleon invades Spain and accelerates the peninsular coup

The origins of the coup are based on a mismanagement of the economic policies directed by the Crown and a deep crisis in the territory of Spain.

Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Spanish territory and internal administrative problems in the Colony also had an influence. This coup would be the first step towards Mexican independence.

Political background in Europe

The reign of Carlos IV faced in 1804 a serious financial crisis, for which the possibility of loans, called royal vouchers, was arranged, which produced the indebtedness of a large part of the population in the colonies.

Meanwhile, Napoleon Bonaparte consolidated his power in Europe and was appointed Emperor of France.

The warlike conflicts between the great powers of Europe, France and England, with which Spain secretly cooperated, deepened the discontent of the Spanish people after the defeat of the Spanish army at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Prime Minister Manuel Godoy, backed by the people and the court, pressures Carlos IV to renounce the throne in favor of his son Fernando.

Napoleon decides to arrest Carlos IV and his son Fernando, forces them to abdicate and proclaims his brother José Bonaparte monarch of Spain.

Coup d'etat of the peninsulares in New Spain

In the new continent, Manuel Godoy supported the appointment of José de Iturrigaray as viceroy.

The royal vouchers, one of the economic measures taken by the new viceroy, caused a very negative reaction among the Creoles and the peninsulares.

The situation worsened with the invasion of Napoleon Bonaparte to Spain, since many peninsulares demanded that Iturrigaray remain faithful to Fernando VII.

As a consequence, the Junta de México was organized to sustain the normal political and social functioning until the proclamation of the legitimate Spanish monarch.

The political ambitions of José de Iturrigaray

With the figure of Napoléon Bonaparte's brother as king of Spain, uncertainty and political instability spread rumors that Viceroy Iturrigaray wanted to become the regent of New Spain.

Added to these rumors was discontent over the implementation of royal vouchers, which allowed the seizure of funds from the ecclesiastical authorities.

Finally, the group of peninsulares broke into the viceregal palace and captured the viceroy and his family.

The viceroy was accused of treason against the Crown, was transferred to Spain for trial, and died a few years later.

Important men of letters and politics were also imprisoned for their progressive ideas and independence. The feat of Mexican independence had begun; this would finally arrive in 1821.

References

1. Barbara H. Stein, Stanley J. Stein, "Crisis in an Atlantic Empire: Spain and New Spain 1808-1810": 15-41
2. Verónica Zárate Toscano, »The conflicts of 1624 and 1808 in New Spain». Retrieved on December 7, 2017 from scribd.com
3. Virginia Guedea, "The Coup d'état of 1808". Retrieved on December 7, 2017 from revistadelauniversidad.unam
4. Edgar A. González Rojas, "Coup d'etat of 1808", 2016. Retrieved on December 7, 2017 from gonzalezrojas.com
5. Enrique Lafuente ferrari, "Viceroy Iturrigaray and the origins of the independence of Mexico." Retrieved on December 7, 2017 from encyclopedia.com