Los británicos ante las clases dirigentes españolas durante la Guerra de la Independencia

Abstract

The article analyzes how the British perceived the Spanish ruling classes during the Peninsular War, on the basis of their political actions and decisions. These perceptions are the starting point to describe these classes as an essential component of the revolutionary process which coincided with the war. As a result of this process, the British were faced with the formation of a new ruling elite which far from consolidated with the 1814 coup and the ensuing institutional changes. The British examined the most outstanding personalities and identified the creation of two major groups, the liberals and the serviles, which were especially influential in the Cortes. Finally, they focused on the Spanish leadership’s political decision- making and concluded that political and institutional change were privileged over war needs. Most decisions were considered to be wrong or belated, to increase the British allies’ suspiciousness and to further jeopardize the relations between the two countries.

Received:  15-10-2005