The «Viva La Pepa» Crosses Borders: the Sons of the Constitution of Cadiz

Abstract

 The Constitution of Cadiz was the most far reaching Spa­nish constitution. Following the triumph of the Spanish li­beral revolution of 1820, its prestige increased and it became the first crack in the wall for the Vienna system of interna­tional relations. The Spanish example encouraged successi­ve revolts in Two Sicilies, Portugal and Piedmont-Sardinia. In each of these examples, the Constitution of Cadiz pla­yed an essential role, to the extent that it was provisiona­lly adopted in both Italian kingdoms. In Two Sicilies and Portugal, parliaments reformed the Spanish charter to suit the demands and requirements of the local revolutionaries. Whilst the Italians gave it a federal aspect, the Portuguese expanded upon the civil and political rights recognized in Spain. This article examines the details of these processes, which were possible only due to the flexibility and ambigui­ty of La Pepa, whose –most– revolutionary principles were mixed with other more traditional ones.