Utopia and Reality of Masonic Liberalism: From the Parliament of Cadiz to the Independence of Mexico (1810–1821)

Abstract

This article distinguishes between the history of Freemasonry and the myths surrounding it. It shows the contradictions that for a long time were considered the history of the fraternity in Spain during the period of the Courts of Cadiz. The paper also contests the putative Masonic impulse for the independence of New Spain (later Mexico). The author shows that—despite what was said in several publications from the time—the liberals, the revolutionaries and the Freemasons were not a unified group conspiring against the altar and the throne.