Napoleon Conquest Of Spain Analysis

The late 18th century into the early 19th century was a time of enlightenment, global capitalism, and most importantly revolution. With European countries becoming more involved in global politics and affairs than ever before, conflict between these powerful nations was inevitable. When France succeeded in establishing ties to the new monarchy in Spain, the Bourbon regime formed and established rule during one of the most tumultuous periods in history. With Napoleon’s conquest of Spain in 1808 ending the Bourbon regime, questions of legitimate leadership formed. The colonies owned by Spain faced a difficult choice of either remaining true to the Spanish Crown or to recognize Napoleon as their new king. After escalating conflict in Europe during …show more content…
As the demand for profits reached new levels, wealthy Spanish found ways to exploit the Otomí to continue to produce at high levels. Don José Regalado Franco offers an example of how “[he] relied on hierarchal patriarch to favor his Hispanic kin and their neighbors.” (Tutino 369). As manager of the largest land in La Griega, he controlled the number, type, and most importantly, the ethnic identity of those who worked the land. Franco’s records indicate that “By 1811 the Otomí were all but excluded from tenancies.” (373). Tenants were the most stable and lucrative positions available to workers; thus, they were highly sought after jobs. By using his position of power to exclude the Otomí men, he not only alienated the working male class of Otomí, he also forced them into an uncertain situation regarding the method of support for their …show more content…
Once news reached New Spain of the fall of the Spanish Crown, local elites quickly gathered to ensure the protection of the most important thing to them; New Spain’s economy. The uncertainty caused by the fall of Spain produced many questions for these elites. With the formation of a new colonial government that continued to recognize Spain as their rulers, these questions were temporarily answered. However, the exclusion of several important elites, such as Hidalgo, produced resentment. Using the underlying grievances and complaints surrounding common workers, Hidalgo seized the opportunity given by Napoleon’s conquest to attempt to establish a new government in New Spain with himself as ruler. Silver mining caused tensions between workers and owners stemming from the forced pay cuts and increasing production costs. When the Hidalgo revolution of 1808 gave these people a chance to rebel, they quickly took it as shown by Tutino, “When they took the city of Guanajuato, thousands of mine workers joined in” (T C&C 6). The mining towns joined the rebellion due to these grievances sustained over decades and were only able to do so because of Hidalgo’s attempts to produce a new rule in light of his exclusion. The agrarian communities also offer an insight as to the causes for the insurgency’s popularity. Controlled