History of Spain. Madrid. Liberal Triennium. Defense of the Plaza Mayor, on July 7, 1822. On that date there was an uprising, promoted by Ferdinand VII, of grenadiers of the Royal Guard with the goal of overthrowing the constitutional government and restoring an absolutist regime. The National Volunteer Militia, which was defending the Plaza Mayor under the command of Francisco Ballesteros, fought the uprising and was able to suffocate the rebellion. Illustration by Miranda. Engraving by Rico. Historia General de España by Father Mariana. Madrid, 1853. Author: Miranda. Spanish chalchograph. 19th century. Bernardo Rico (1825-1894). Spanish painter and engraver.