April Revolution
| April Revolution | |
|---|---|
 The April 4 at Mevosa | |
| Historical context | |
| Date | April 8, 1808 |
| Place | Mevosa |
| Participants | Alphonse Matthada, Michael Towers, Manuel Del Paso, Francis Ghack, Nelson Thorley, Daniel Garçon, Jourdain Ilbert, Adam Crewe, Raymund Allard, Romuald De La Mesea |
| Causes |
British invasion Bayonne abdications |
| Outcome | |
| Previous government | Viceroyalty |
| Previous ruler | Esteban Cardenas Santander |
| Government resulting | National Assembly |
| Government resulting form | Government Junta |
The April Revolution was a week-long series of events that took place from April 1 to 8, 1808, in Mevosa, capital of the Vice-Royalty of The Yellow River controlled by Spain since 1535 and occupied by Great Britain in 1807. The result was the expulsion of both europeans empires and the establishment of a local government, the National Assembly on April 8. It was the first successful revolution in the Terra Nova and the trigger for the continental independence process.
The April Revolution was a direct reaction to Great Britain's invasion of Mevosa and Betham in september, 1807. Seeking new markets for his products, and access to the primary goods of Fluvique, the crown decided to take the low-defended colonies and secure the vital ports for his commerce. The Spanish authorities in Mevosa allowed the british troops to enter without fight and surrender the city, causing a major upset in the lower classes and caused the birth of many patriot movements across the country.
Initially the new british government declared the freedom of cult, the break of the monopoly with Spain and kept the spaniards in some institutions, for the status-quo. However, a group of local merchants, lawyers and military officials organized a series of meetings in a tobacco shop and formed a militia to repel the invaders. In the night of April 4 a popular uprising exploded and the patriot soldiers were forced to enter in action and finally besieged the british forces in the Mevosa's fort and made them surrender the next day. Despite the desires of some conservatives forces, the popular mood caused a new uprising, expelling the spaniards and establishing a patriot government, the National Assembly, composed by citizens of Mevosa and invited other provinces of the Viceroyalty to send delegates to join them. This resulted in the outbreak of war between the regions that accepted the outcome of the events at Mevosa and those that did not.
The April Revolution began the Fluviquean Independence War, although no formal declaration of independence was issued at the time, but the National Assembly acted in the name of the Yellow River peoples. As similar events occurred in almost all the others cities in the country, the April Revolution is considered the starting point of the Fluviquean national identity and the patriot movements around the continent. Historians today debate the different interests behind the revolution, between the merchants in revolt against taxes, the local military wishing better positions and the radical revolutionaries trying to accomplish a social change. A formal declaration of independence was finally issued at the National Congress in Alkanter on July 16, 1821.
Contents
Causes
External
The Declaration of Independence of the United States in 1776 led the locals to believe that revolution and independence were possible. The old idea of loyalty to the metropolis was weakened, especially in the middle and upper classes. Also the ideals of French Revolution in 1799 spread across the continent, brought by the local elites sons, which were studying in European universities. The execution of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette ended centuries of monarchy and removed the privileges of the nobility and deepened the republican and liberal ideas.
The Spanish authorities banned the publishing and entry of European books and newspapers, trying to stop the spread of such ideas. However, this led to the creation of many groups of enlightened Fluviqueans and the private reunions were held in all the big cities. The bars and literary salons were the birthplace of the future revolutionaries and leaders.
The independence of the north american colonies and Napoleon's Continental System were a menace for the British commerce, and Industrial revolution caused the necessity of find new markets. Britain wanted to trade with the Spanish colonies, but the monopoly was imposed and only the smugglers were capable of enter to the Fluviquean ports. Thus, Britain decided to invade the colonies and acquire key ports, expanding their dominion from Greencastle to all the continent.
The British menace was in the middle of a political crisis in the metropolis: The mutiny of Aranjuez in 1808 led King Charles IV of Spain to abdicate in favor of his son, Ferdinand VII. The events known as Abdications of Bayonne finished in the coronation of Napoleon's brother, Joseph Bonaparte and the start of the Peninsular War. The lack of representativeness was the boost to deep the revolution and expand it to all the provinces.
Internal
The colonies had many taxes to export their products to the metropolis and they were increased when Spain entered in the American Revolutionary War, first; and later in the first campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars. Also, the forced recruitment and the send of troops to Europe caused major upset among the population. The borders with the Dominion of Greencastle, controlled by Britain, was a major route for smugglers, increasing the wealth of Fluviquean traders.
In this context quickly emerged two antagonistic groups:
- Peninsulares or royalists
The majority were wealthy Spaniards traders, with permission of the King and with a increasing influence in the colony. They were officials in the port, the consulate and any other colonial government office. This group wanted the status-quo, was against the smugglers and, later, was a fierce enemy of the revolution. Paradoxically, many revolutionaries were sons these wealthy traders.
- Patriots or tobacconists
They were the local bourgeois, traders and wealthy smugglers, lawyers and generals of the local regiments and militia, recently named. Inside these group were divided into moderates and radicals. The moderates were the army officials, wishing some autonomy, but with the country still in the empire. The radicals were the majority and wanted a total independence of any nation and establishing a republic.
British invation
Around January 1808, news about a possible attack were spread around the colonies. The viceroyalty capital, Mevosa, had around 50.000 inhabitants and was the most prosperous port in the Yellow river. The most part of the colonial troops were sended to Europe to fight and the local soldiers occupied their place and also some young Fluviquean generals were hired in high positions of the army. However, the regiments under his charge were poorly paid and were more loyal to his homeland instead of Spain and his wars. In a principle it was believed that the british invasion would come from the british dominion of Greencastle, crossing the undefended border of Saint Matthew: the local governor retired the troops to allow the smuggling and the proffit of it.
However, there were almost no troops in Greencastle nor armed population able to become militia, thus the Spaniards were in a good position to invade the province and eliminate the only foreign territory around the colonies. However, they decided to not act. The British Empire decided the invasion, at least, since november 1807, recruiting troops and preparing a fleet to sail from Cape Colony, avoid the few Spanish ships, ensure supplies in Greencastle and travel directly to Mevosa.
The troops led by Charles Stannings sailed from South Africa on January 12, 1808 with 60 ships and 12.000 men, arriving to Greencastle five weeks after. There, the troops took supplies, 200 men were left in the city and the borders were closed, to prevent the news from spreading through the colonies. On February 5, they left again, away from the coast and re-entered in the mouth of the Yellow River, directly towards the capital of Galivias Islands, Port Andres. Almost without resistance they took the garrison stationed there and took prisioner his governor until the whole operation ended. The small fort was renamed Port William and one of the four british banners was raised on it. The next morning departed for Mevosa, but a heavy storm broke out, which prevented disembark the heavy cannons. However, to demonstrate their naval power and intimidate the population, most of the fleet was wagered around the port and blockade it completely. Meanwhile, an army of 2,000 ascended the river and landed on Betham were, after the skirmish of the Toasts, they entered triumphantly in the city, imprisoned the authorities and took over public buildings.
The 7th February morning the British troops manage to disembark in the Goose Cove and set up a small camp near the coast. At eight or nine o'clock they received a letter, which was translated and made it clear the intention to surrender the city to the Empire and its King, in exchange for maintaining the privileges of the Spaniards in Fluvique and keep some of their posts in the government. Standings sent another letter saying that promises not to imprison those colonial authorities who swear their loyalty to the King and the Empire. This was accepted and the troops entered without resistance into five columns in the streets, being watched by the people from balconies and roofs. At noon they reached the Arms Square. They occupied the fort and the port in the next hours and, near the 1:00 pm the Spanish flag was raised and the Union Jack was raised, with gunfire from the ships. A small band played God Save the King and the unconditional surrender was signed.
In the afternoon, Stannings declared the annexation of the Yellow River territories to the British Empire in a proclamation:
All territories of the Yellow River are, now and forever, under the wise protection of his gracious Majesty. All the inhabitants of the Empire welcome enthusiastically your entry into the ranks of the glorious nation to which they belong.
The local treasuries from rents and customs were seized; an act declared the free navigation of rivers, free trade with London, all the local regiments were dissolved, authorities were appointed and some troops were prepared for a possible counteroffensive. The next day the new goverment called all the upper class people, merchants, lawyers and influential people of the city of swear loyalty to the Kingd. In addition, the markets in the square were opened and the Spaniards recommended to the peoples in the Yellow river "total submission with the new lord".
Tobacco brothers
At first the ruling classes, especially the spaniards, saw with good eyes the annexation of Fluvique to the British Empire. Basically their state was the same: they were far away of the hostilities between France, Spain and Great Britain, so they had the opportunity to keep trade and his lifestyle, waiting until the end of the war and a future Spanish reconquest of the Yellow River. However, the native population was upset and defrauded of the colonial authorities and his attitude of surrender the city without fight, to keep their privileges and concessions, showing cowardice and without respect of the colonies.
Such voices found support in the military, led by the former general of the Colonial Regiment, Alphonse Matthada, fired after the British occupation, like all the troops under his command. This sector still had weapons and were well trained, despite only be formed by thousand men and the invasor force of around ten thousand in the fort. Thus, the first night meetings were held in "La Carla", a tobacco shop placed only five blocks from the April Square. They were friendly coffe talks about the political future and their positions about Spain. The original group of five members was increased until their final members, who passed into history: General Alphonse Matthada; merchants Manuel Del Paso, Nelson Thorley, Romuald De La Mesea, Raymund Allard and Daniel Garçon; and lawyers Michael Towers, Francis Ghack, Adam Crewe and Jourdain Ilbert.
Gradually the wishes of the upper class changed. Free exchange of British goods flooded the local market and prices on the raw materials, sold to the new metropolis, were almost the same as those under the Spanish rule. In addition, the example of the United States, his Declaration of Independence, the influence of French Revolution and the enlightenment ideas, spread the nationalism and patriotism among all the population. Soon, everyone saw askance occupation and patriotic fervor, already evidenced in the popular sectors, woke into the high classes.
This sudden support made the meetings more animated. With the approval of the upper classes and having the general discontent of the population as a backup, the toaccolists began to concoct the plan of action. Inside the group the first internal divisions emerged. All were in accord that the first step was form militias, give weapons to the people and reconquer the city, expelling the British, but the aftermath was the main focus of debate. Alphonse Matthada, leader of the moderates, was in favor of expelling the British and return the power to the Spanish authorities, but ensuring that they elevate their social and economic privileges, giving the locals more power. On the other side were the revolutionaries, led by Michael Towers. They wanted to expel both British and Spaniards and declare the full independence from the former metropoli and any foreign domination.
Despite these disagreements, the meetings continued throughout most of March and traders Nelson Thorley and Daniel Garçon, got a stay at ten kilometres from Mevosa, where they started to enlist an army. While, they received the news that the provinces decided to resist on their territory and not send help to them or Betham. The rest of the traders began to use their contacts and their ability to get guns, bullets and everything necessary from Crenel and Geneva, through clandestine routes and shipments carriages and stagecoaches normally used for mail. Thus, and for weeks, they came to stay Santa Marina three carriages with supplies per day. Slowly recruitment was getting bigger, thanks to the effort of the tobacco brothers, and they gathered between 8.000 and 9.000 militiamen, trained by Mattada and his soldiers in small groups, at night, to avoid suspicion due to the continuous movement of people.
On March 28 happened the first fact considered revolutionary. It was at dinner in honor of the Britsh forces in a little restaurant in the Little Angels Boulevard. Among those attending were the old Spaniards authorities. The tradition says that a prostitute named Clara walked towards the Spaniards and said to them: "The only difference between you and me, is that I would have expelled the British with stones". Late, inside the restaurant, during one of the shows with guitars and traditional songs, one of the interpreters sang a song that became popular among the revolutionaries and was the first banner of Independence:
Foreigners applauded this expressive and fervent,which tuned up the enthusiasm of the general public there, but did not understand what they heard and no one dared to translate it for fear of further problems. When this became news throughout the city, the organization of the militia was almost finished.
April Week
It is known as April Week the events ocurred between April 1st until April 8th of 1808. On those eight days started the Fluviquean independence process, with the expulsion of British and Spanish troops of Mevosa and the creation of a National Assembly, the first patriot government. The revolutionaries created militias and started the first movements in the Independence War, despite their lack of organization and a strong and united government.
Friday, April 1
Over day and afternoon all militia members were called to the Thorley and Garçon's stay, to receive their weapons, some uniforms, boots, hats and some banners were distributed. It was the first use of something like a national flag, the April Flag: it was a normal Spanish Flag with a white stripes on the yellow fringe. A military camp was created and everyone received food and necessary instructions.
Saturday, April 2
Originally, this would be the day of the operation start. However, some delays in create barricades around the streets of fort's surroundings to wrap the enemy, caused the re-scheduling of the attack. That night, in the Mevosa's Opera House, all the British commander and main forces were there, distracted with the performances. Thus, the revolutionaries took advantage and near the ten o'clock in the night, led by Romuald De La Mesea and Raymund Allard, started to create barricades with earth in those streets' corners near the Arms Square. But, they noted that it could be not enough, so they started to loot the nearby houses, breaking doors, carrying beds and furniture to reinforce their positions. On the opposite side, carriages and street lamps were used.
That movement and the house irruptions caused that some neighbors loyals to the British, ran through the streets and the square, shouting and giving alert of what was going on. Some British troops went out of the theatre and tried to reorder their army in middle of chaos, ordering to defend the square until death. The revolutionaries started to shoot from the terraces, balconies and barricadas, even roof tiles and masonry were used to hit the invaders.
Despite the British numerical advantage, the fact of being attacked from all sides and with enemies well covered, caused them to not gain any clear advantage and the combat was messy, without a clear winner, with many British casualties and without advancing. The combats lasted until dawn, due to the delay of the messengers sent to the revolutionary camp and the militia slow advance.
While, a group led by Manuel Del Paso, embarked in tiny boats, traveled through the North River until reach the Yellow River, dropped anchor in the coast and took, almost without resistance, many British ships. An hour later a fleet led by Admiral William Green reinforced the attack and they neutralized the entire invader fleet and taking prisioners all the Royal Navy sailors.
Sunday, April 3
Beetwen five and six in the morning, the militias entered in four columns from the opposite side of the fort and from the square's sides. The British troops were surprised by the reinforcements, being almost literally run over by the militiamen and pushed to the fort in middle of the shots and the fall of projectiles and hot water from the balconies.
The British forces tried to hold positions and use the fort guns to bombing the square and expell the crowd. However, they noticed that all the ships were being placed in position to attack directly to the fort and the Union Jack was not flying on their masts. Besides, the army had been halved, with hundreds of casualties and wounded. Stannings tried to encourage his army and fight again, knowing that losing Mevosa would be prosecuted and possibly dismissed. Finally he was convided that they were surrounded and he had to avoid a slaughter. Around noon a letter was sent to him in which he was intimated to surrender and open the fort. Near two o'clock the white flag was hoisted and the gates were opened. The militias entered and Mattada allowed them to be treated at the makeshift military hospital that had been installed in the square and were he promised to respect theirlife as long as they surrender their weapons. In the afternoon the British flag was lowered amid the cheers and was taken to the Mevosa's Cathedral as war trophy. The battalions and banners were paraded through the streets, with the people mocking and chanting.
The British were evacuated in two rows, escorted by the militia, until their fleet. Ten ships were taken for the revolution and the forces were evacuated to the Galivian Islands by William Green
Monday, April 4
In the morning, the old Spanish authorities deposed in February returned to their posts and the flag of Spain returned to the fort. The Spaniards declared three days of public holiday and celebrations honoring the April heroes. However, they noticed the tense atmosphere and the bad mood of the locals due to their return to power. This was exacerbated when, in the afternoon, the news of the triumph of the patriots in Betham reached Mevosa. Now the two main cities had their people in arms and the colonial goverment position was very week. A Extraordinary Meeting was called to April 5, between the military generals, people leaders and main personalities of the city
Tuesday, April 5
Esteban Cardenas Santander offered the free trade with any nation in the world, free of tax, the incorporation of Fluviqueans to the colonial goverment and keep the militias as a regular army. In exchange they wanted the voluntary surrender of weapons and the loyalty of the troops to Spain and the King. The revolutionaries were unsure about the Santander's intentions and they didn't trust in him. Many of the invited traders and local merchants saw their offer as a last attempt to save the Spanish rule on the region and that the moment to act was now, due to huge problems of Spain to defend the colonies. After deliberating two hours, they decided that they will answer in two days, trying to wait until reach a common idea.
The same night the tobacconists and militia generals gathered in the tobacco shop, to discuss the issue. The most radicals were pressing to attack that same night, imprison the General Commander and execute him the next morning. The conservatives tried to convince Matthada to form a Fluviquean military government with Santander as president. None of the positions gained major support and they decided to meet again the next day.
Wednesday, April 6
The secret meeting was in La Carla tobacco shop, but a crowd decided to attend, massively conformed by low classes and they had to move the meeting to the street, in a kind of popular assembly where the discussion was about the colonies' future. The militia forces of Matthada were controlling the situation, trying to avoid any kind of violence. Knowing that, the radicals led by Francis Ghack and Adam Crewe organized armed men to sneak into the crowd and be ready to take action. A total of 300 people were in the street, shouting at the same time.
Quickly two sides were formed: the supporters of Alphonse Matthada, calle conservatives, formed by upper classes and the army, they wanted to accept the Santander's offer, keep the status-quo and gain more privileges. They believed that the country was not ready to a self-goverment. He was supported by Jourdain Ilbert, Raymund Allard, Nelson Thorley and Adam Crewe. The other group, more revolutionary and radical, claimed openly for a total independence, the formation of a patriot government and the decision to spread the revolution to all the colonies. They were represented by Michael Towers and supported y Manuel Del Paso, Francis Ghack and Romouald De La Mesea.
Even Towers was the first to speak, standing in front of the crowd, challenging Matthada and the militia:
This soil was abandoned by those who have to defend it, because they went to fight a war that is not ours, but it could be, because is the people fighting Kings. This lands were defended by its only true owners. The Kings' time is over. If the people in arms recovered its autonomy, the same people will recover its independence and the control of its future.
Matthada answered in middle of crowd's shouts:
Mr. Towers, you are confused and gives the worst picture to Spain, wich only is the view of no more than a few. Our struggle is the struggle of the legitimate ruler of the Kingdom. Why should we reveal against the sovereign if our disgraces are fault of his representatives? In any case, the only guilty are them, who have not fulfilled their duties. Gentlemen, we have been and will be part of the Kingdom.
Manuel Del Paso, took advantage of the crowd boos and said:
The Spaniards have shiwn that they are a race of cowards. From the most noble and wealthy gentleman, to the farmer in the hinterland. They conquered these territories and subjugated our people to their cities. They finance their parties and wars with our taxes and they surrender without fight. We have proven our worth. Each has its place, gentlemen. Spain and their problems, to the Spaniards. This lands and its future, to their sons!
The ideas of Towers and Del Paso was the most applauded and supported. The contrary views of Matthada seemed to be a peril for the safety of the crowd, every time more angry and wanting a resolution. While, the more radicals were ready to assault the barracks and take more weapons by force. He gave a secret order to the militia to act and when a bloody outcome was close, he walked in middle of the crowd and the militia and said that 'we will never use the force against the will of our people' and later shook hands with Towers and Del Paso, closing the start of the revolution.
Matthada and the militia returned to the barracks in silence, convincing the Spaniards that they will not use their forces to expel them and that he convided the most radicals to surrender their weapons the next day. Thus, the weak Spanish forces said that to Santander, who decided to not prepare to defend the Fort or the city.
While, Ghack and Crewe, distrusting Matthada, started to hold positions near the square, ready to assault the arsenal and barracks, in case of delays or complications. Matthada had spies among their men and he perfectly knew about this radical intention, so he convinced a lot of conservatives to support the revolution to avoid a bloody terror reign and popular uprising.
Thursday, April 7
Before the sunrise, the tobacconists and some armed civilians reached the barracks and Manuel Del Paso was sent to talk with Alphonse Matthada. Del Paso expressed what was going on and that it was necessary to decide a side. The general repeated his commitment and allowed all of them to enter. There, the radicals led by Francis Ghack changed the Spanish flags of the regiment for the one conquered to the British and some of their creation, alongside with distinctive ribbons.
At the eight o'clock, all the regiment and civilians started their march towards the Arms Square. The 1.200 soldiers, led by Matthada reached the square first, while civilians were arresting the Spanish guards in the streets. The movement was a total surprise for the colonial authorities. Some of them even weren't in the fort. However, the entire city was controlled by the revolutionaries and the colonial commander was under siege in the fort.
A letter was sended to Santander, requesting his resignation and of all colonial authorities. Santander was sleeping when the messenger entered to his room and he only said: 'So, here we are'. Later, he gathered with his council and received the news of the revolution. Despite being surrounded, he believed that the high classes would defend him and if he could resist a couple of days, he could request help from the other provinces. He sent a response letter, requesting the end of 'the nonsense adventure of yours' and the 'surrender of weapons'. The revolutionaries didn't answer, and only waited all the morning, while more and more people started to fill the square, some curious and others trying to participate in the events.
The radicals were trying to pressure for an attack to the fort and end the siege, but Matthada didn't wanted a bloody battle again. Thus, they started to give more weapons to the civilians and entering to the surrounding houses and put shooters in roofs and balconies. All the crowd was excited and the atmosphere was extremely tense, with both sides trying to decide about the siege. Manuel Del Paso spoke with William Green, who was with his fleet in the port, asking about his loyalty. He said that he was loyal to 'the people will'. At noon, the ships were close to the coast, aiming to the fort. Then, Michael Towers walked towards Matthada, with a rifle on his hand, and said that 'if you don't start this now, I will lead the people and take the fort'.
After two new intimations, Matthada gave the order and the fleet started to shot their guns, impacting in the fort's walls and causing some wounded among the defenders. Santander, fearing a mutiny, sent a letter to Matthada, accepting the revolutionary terms. An hour later, the gates were opened and the fort was occupied. All the people inside were taken prisoner and their goods were confiscated. Despite the desire of many radicals, no one was executed but all the Spaniards were evacuated from the city. Before night, the first 'revolution pamphlet' was published, informing the population that an Assembly would be formed the next day.
Friday, April 8
On the morning of April 8, the square was filled again by a crowd, while the Fort was protected by the militia. In the esplanade, the main influential and wealthy members of the society were gathered in front of the old colonial offices, were the main reunion was taking place. The meeting started at 9 am, around a big wooden table from the Fort's kitchen. Alphonse Matthada started explaining that the first thing to do was to appoint Assembly members and then send help to the other provinces, encouraging them to do the same. All were in accord, except in the ways. The conservatives viewed the events as a Mevossian revolution, thus it would be reasonable be careful about the next steps. In the other side, Towers said that this has to be a national cause and the Assembly should send troops and aids to the colonies and spread the revolution to all the continent.
Among all members two lists were proposed, with charges and functions of the Assembly members. Matthada and Towers were the main candidates for the Presidency and the wealthy merchants and aristocrats were pressing to avoid a government led by the tobacconists, while the radicals were against a conservative goverment. Thus, a unique list was proposed, with members of both sides. After deciding the appointments, all members wrote on a paper their proposals, called 'Letter of Procedure', to decide the Assembly future. The document, among other proposals, had proposals to name the Assembly as 'Provisional Government Assembly in behalf of Vice-Royalty peoples'; to call a Constitutional Congress and to send a auxiliary expedition to the provinces. The members were confirmed on their charges by the people inside the Fort and then signed the document.
After a long interval, the Assembly moved to the Fort's entrance to submit it directly to the people for ratification and to vote the proposals. Despite of the late hour, the number of people in the square was huge, due to recruitment of people by the tobacconists. The Assembly always declared that their acts were 'in behalf of the people'. Thus, the National Assembly was finally established. It was composed by president Alphonse Matthada; secretaries Michael Towers , Manuel Del Paso, Francis Ghack, Jourdain Ilbert and Raymund Allard; and speakers Romuald De La Mesea, Nelson Thorley, Adam Crewe.
The rules governing it were roughly copied from the old Colonial rule, but started to be modified through the days, with additional provisions to ensure the people representation, the Assembly faculties to appoint replacements and the start of a path towards the independence, despite the desires of the conservatives.
