National Militia (Spain) facts for kids

The National Militia (Spanish: milicia nacional) was like a citizen army in Spain. It was similar to the National Guard in France, which started during the French Revolution.

The National Militia began with citizen defense groups during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714). But it became really important during the Peninsular War (1808–1814). This war was Spain's fight for independence against Napoleon's France. The regular Spanish army was weak. So, new citizen groups formed in towns and provinces. They fought against France and against old systems like feudalism in Spain.

The National Militia was dissolved and brought back many times during the 1800s.

The Peninsular War (1808–1814)

The Spanish Constitution of 1812 was created in Cádiz. At this time, much of Spain was controlled by France. This new constitution officially recognized the National Militia. It became part of Spain's military, alongside the regular army.

This meant the militia was no longer just a group of volunteers. It became a single, official force. In 1814, a new rule said that all citizens might have to serve. The militia was different from the regular army. It had both infantry (foot soldiers) and cavalry (soldiers on horseback). The officers were chosen by the soldiers themselves.

The militia was made up of citizens aged 30 to 50. About 30 citizens out of every 1,300 people had to serve. Their main jobs were to keep peace, order, and security within Spain.

The militia supported a movement that was both patriotic and liberal. Because of this, when Ferdinand VII became king in 1814, he brought back absolute rule. He cancelled the 1812 Constitution and dissolved the militia.

However, during the Trienio Liberal (1820–1823), the National Militia was brought back. They fought against groups who wanted to restore absolute rule. When the Trienio Liberal ended, the Militia was dissolved again. It was replaced by a different group called the Royalist Volunteers (Spanish: Voluntarios Realistas).

The Regency Period (1833–1843)

In 1834, Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies was ruling Spain as a regent (someone who rules for a young king or queen). She created a new force called the "Urban Militia" (Spanish: Milicia Urbana).

In 1836, an event called the Mutiny of La Granja forced Maria Christina to bring back the 1812 Constitution. This also meant the National Militia was re-established once more.

New army leaders like Leopoldo O'Donnell and Baldomero Espartero became very influential. They supported the young Queen Isabella II against her uncle, Infante Carlos, Count of Molina. The National Militia fought alongside Isabella II's forces in the First Carlist War. They even received their first special flags for their bravery.

However, there were conflicts among Isabella II's supporters. Some were conservative liberals (called doceañistas). They were linked to the Moderate Party and Maria Christina. Others were radical liberals (called exaltados or veinteañistas). They were linked to the Progressive Party and the National Militia.

The militia played a role in the Mutiny of La Granja. They also helped remove Maria Christina from power and supported Baldomero Espartero. They fought against uprisings by the Moderates, especially the Spanish Revolution of 1841.

In 1843, Ramón María Narváez and the Moderates came to power. Narváez dissolved the Militia. Soon after, its duties were given to a new group called the Civil Guard (Spanish: Guardia Civil), which still exists today.

The National Militia was briefly brought back in the 1850s during the Bienio Progresista (a two-year period of progressive rule) under Espartero. But when O'Donnell and the Liberal Union took power two years later, the Militia was dissolved again.

First Spanish Republic (1873–1874)

The National Militia was formally re-established by a leader named Emilio Castelar during the First Spanish Republic. However, it was finally and permanently dissolved by Cánovas del Castillo in 1876.

See also

In Spanish: Milicia Nacional (España) para niños