The Spanish Roots of Modern Liberalism: A Celebration os the Bicentennial of May 2nd, 1808

March 28, 2008 – Conference – “The Spanish Roots of Modern Liberalism: A Celebration on the Bicentennial of May 2nd, 1808”

Opening Remarks

His Excellency Carlos Westendorp, Spanish Ambassador to the United States

Prof. Albert Carreras, Prince of Asturias Distinguished Visiting Professor

Opening Lecture

“The Influence of the Cadiz Constitution on European Liberalism” (Richard Stites, Georgetown University)

Commentator: Tommaso Astarita, Georgetown University

1st Session – The 1812 Constitution and Modern Liberalism

“Cadiz and the Beginnings of Spanish Liberalism” (José María Portillo, Universidad del País Vasco)

“The War of Independence and the Origins of Mexican Liberalism” (Alfredo Ávila, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México)

Commentator:  Georgette Magassy Dorn, Library of Congress

2nd Session – Popular Movements After May 2nd

“The Origins of the Guerrilla War” (John Tone, Georgia Institute of Technology)

“Broken Sovereignty and the Outbreak of Popular Movements in Mexico” (John Tutino, Georgetown University)

Commentator:  Luis Granados, Georgetown University

3rd Session – Cadiz Mythology and the Shaping of National Identities

“Images of the War of Independence in the Liberal Vision of Spain” (José Álvarez, Junco, Universidad Complutense de Madrid)

“Portuguese and Brazilian Translations of Spanish Liberalism” (Kirsten Schultz, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art)

Commentator:  Darryl Williams, University of Maryland

Closing Remarks

His Excellency Arturo Sarukhan, Mexican Ambassador to the United States

John Tutino, Georgetown University