Final answer:
Fernando VII's return to Spain crushed the hopes for liberal constitutional monarchy, restored absolute royal power, and prompted Spanish America's further push towards independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
As a result of Fernando VII's return to Spain, the hopes for liberal reforms in the Spanish colonies were dashed. The Spanish representative assembly (Cortes) had approved a liberal constitution during the Napoleonic period, but when Fernando was restored to power, he rejected the constitution and moved to restore absolute monarchy. He also dissolved the Cortes, persecuted liberals, and sent troops to enforce his policies in the colonies. These actions reinforced colonial rule, disappointed the creole juntas in Spanish America, and intensified their desire for independence. They were not willing to revert to the prior colonial administration and were determined to seek an equal voice in government and maintain the free trade that had taken place during the interlude of self-rule.