Spanish Commonwealth?

The idea Of the Spanish Empire forming a system of dominions in a similar manner to the British Empire has been discussed several times, but what would it take to bring it about? How can the development of responsible government in Canada be mirrored in Spain's American Empire? which of the colonies could be eligible for this system to develop?
 
I believe Peru was the most "loyal" of Spain's colonies in the Americas. I also believe such an idea was tossed around OTL before the Spanish-American War for Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Spanish East Indies (Philippines + Pacific Islands).

Of course, the Spanish colonies were almost run like independent fiefs anyway by the conquistadors, the system basically being that they paid tribute to the Crown by way of American gold and treasure ships. I don't think the Crown's word really had much effect in the Americas (Isabella II, I think, once issued an edict for fair treatment of the natives, which had absolutely zero effect on how the natives were treated).

The colonies would need to be governed somewhat more closely, but I'm not sure how possible that is given the communication technology (or lack thereof) at the time.
 
The idea Of the Spanish Empire forming a system of dominions in a similar manner to the British Empire has been discussed several times, but what would it take to bring it about? How can the development of responsible government in Canada be mirrored in Spain's American Empire? which of the colonies could be eligible for this system to develop?
1) Spanish cities and cabildos existed and were founded in Indies. The precedent of Cortes existed in Peninsula... from 16th century, of cities alone, because nobles and clergy declined to attend. The proposal of holding Cortes in Indies was mooted in 16th century... though eventually declined.
2) In 1808, lots of juntas were founded in Peninsula... and in Indies too. So how about Juntas in various dominions being elected locally - and continuing to be loyal to Fernando and cooperate with Cadiz Cortes?
 
Maybe Carlos III follows I think miranda's advise and makes the colonies separate nations under the Spanish Crown and places his sons and grandsons (save for the heir) upon the thrones of the colonies.
 
The Juntas originally wanted to preserve the Spanish monarchy - their beef was not with Spain, but with the fact that Creoles were treated worse than Peninsulares, and that all the Viceroys were Spanish, ignoring the socioeconomic clout of the local white elite.

I don't think you could've done it with a king as regressive as Ferdinand VII, but a surviving Cadiz Court could be a nice overture to the colonies remaining at least somewhat loyal.
 

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The idea Of the Spanish Empire forming a system of dominions in a similar manner to the British Empire has been discussed several times, but what would it take to bring it about? How can the development of responsible government in Canada be mirrored in Spain's American Empire? which of the colonies could be eligible for this system to develop?
There were several initiatives both partially implemented and stillborn that might have resulted in the foundation of a later commonwealth. There was one famous one that popped up a couple years ago, but has since disappeared that would have involved the Spanish King becoming Emperor in his own right, with the New World territory being divided into three kingdoms with their own constituent nobilities. The original source for this idea is lost to me, but I believe it was abandoned because of an unwilling monarch and a lack of close princes.

Later on, when Mexico became independent it sought a crown from Europe and had looked to a Spanish prince before the King forbade it. They shopped around for other potential monarchs, but that failed resulting in one of the leaders declaring himself Emperor. An action that had damaged some of the monarchy's legitimacy, and later his inability to mediate between emerging factions resulted in his deposition. The conservative element in Mexico continued to want a monarchy, and Napoleon III provided one in the form of Maximilian. However, the conservatives rapidly turned against him since Maximilian was almost as liberal as the liberals they were in a civil war with. Maximilian made a number of overtures for peace, offering to make the opposition leader his chief political official and adviser. When that did not work, Maximilian went to war but was not nearly ruthless enough in either persecuting the opposition, nor in sustaining strong conservative support. Conservatives were separated between those that wanted to get rid of monarchy all together in favor of a dictator like in other countries, those that wanted a different monarch and were courting for other possibilities, and those that remained loyal to Maximilian. Maximilian was able to gather the loyalty of many moderate conservatives, several of whom fought with him to the bitter end and a few of which died with him or fled into exile. The opposition, however, capitalized on growing anti-french sentiment and the idea that Maximilian was just a foreign conqueror without legitimacy. Following the conclusion of the American Civil War and with broad support from the US, the northern liberal rebel forces had all but one the conflict. The French, who were in this for their own self interest, left when the venture became impossible. Maximilian remained behind with those men and women who stayed loyal to him, and chose to die in Mexico even when defeat became certain. His last words before his death by firing squad were "I forgive everyone, and I ask everyone to forgive me. May my blood which is about to be shed, be for the good of the country. Viva Mexico, viva la independencia!"

But that's a bit of a digression. Overall, there were many who would have had a monarchy, particularly in South America south of Peru and in Mexico. Even the most republican areas around Colombia became republican by way of effect since they were opposed by the Spanish monarchy and looked towards an American Revolutionary example when it became clear that no foreign prince would come to claim their crown and Bolivar developed his own persona as a Napoleon like figure.
 
1820 is your date. Once the Liberal revolution led by General Riego succeded, the new Cortes designated Juan de O'Donojú as new Political Chief of New Spain (similar to what used to be a vicerroy under the absolutism) His duty was to negotiatiate with the Trigarante Army led by Iturbide, which had just entered in Mexico City. With the help of several MP's from the colonies (specially from New Spain) O'Donojú arrived to New Spain with a proposal of agreement based on the Iguala Plan, which basically made New Spain a dominion of the Hispanic Crown similar to Canada. Both sides agreed about the text and the Treaty of Córdoba was signed. It's interesting to note that, when Bolévar learned about this treaty he wrote a letter to San Martín showing his worries about the consequences of this to the separatist cause, and how it could be demanded by other vicerroyalties instead of total independence. Perú specially was in bis mind, but he also was worried about the idea of having what he saw as a more stable form of government in the northern frontier of Gran Colombia.

Finally, O'Donojñu died a coupke of months after signing the treaty and couldn't defend it before the cortes, while some MP's and Ferdinand VII maneouvered to avoid the ratifications of such treaty by the Cortes, endind any hope of a negotiated solution for the colonial conflict...but,the potential POD is very powerful IMHO.
 
There were several initiatives both partially implemented and stillborn that might have resulted in the foundation of a later commonwealth. There was one famous one that popped up a couple years ago, but has since disappeared that would have involved the Spanish King becoming Emperor in his own right, with the New World territory being divided into three kingdoms with their own constituent nobilities. The original source for this idea is lost to me, but I believe it was abandoned because of an unwilling monarch and a lack of close princes.

Great idea, I would love that source. If anyone has it please post it. Thanks
 
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