19th Century Spain: From Absolutism to Restoration

Posted on Mar 23, 2025 in History

Ferdinand VII’s Reign and its Aftermath

Ferdinand VII returned to Spain. Initially, he was committed to restoring the Constitution of 1812. However, he later repealed the constitution and ruled as an absolute monarch. Colonel Priego led a revolt that forced the monarch to abide by the Constitution of 1812. The period from 1823 to 1833 was known as the “Década Ominosa” (Ominous Decade), characterized by an absolutist reign. Spain faced a difficult situation upon Ferdinand VII’s return due to the war with France and a dynastic conflict. Because Ferdinand VII only had daughters and the Salic Law prevented women from occupying the throne, he was compelled to enact the Pragmatic Sanction.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign

During Queen Elizabeth II‘s reign, liberalism consolidated in Spain. The Constitution of 1845 was signed, and a Concordat was established. A constitutional state was configured, with the development of the Penal Code and the Civil Code. However, opposition to the regime grew, leading to the emergence of new groups.

The Sexenio Democrático (1868-1874)

The “Sexenio Democrático” refers to a period of six years in which Spain was ruled democratically. An economic crisis triggered a revolution against the monarchy, leading to the signing of the Pact of Ostend. A provisional government was formed, imposing a program of reforms. This period had three stages: the Revolution of 1868, the democratic monarchy, and the First Republic.

Restoration of the Monarchy (1874-1898)

The Restoration period saw a two-party system following the English model, with limited suffrage. The two main parties, the Liberals and Conservatives, alternated in power.

Key Terms and Concepts

  • Francophiles: Spaniards with Enlightenment ideals who were considered traitors. They wanted to establish a constitutional monarchy.
  • Mutiny of Aranjuez: An uprising that took place in March 1808.
  • Juntas: Organizations that emerged during the War of Independence to organize resistance against the French invaders.
  • Guerrillas: Armed volunteers who harassed the enemy in familiar territory.
  • Constitution: A written policy that serves to govern a country.
  • Pronunciamiento: A military insurrection aimed at seizing power by force.
  • Salic Law: Prevented women from reigning in Spain, implemented by Philip V of Bourbon.
  • Pragmatic Sanction: A law that revoked the Salic Law, leading to Carlism.
  • Carlism: Defenders of the Old Regime.
  • Creole: A person of Hispanic descent, especially of European Spanish origin.
  • Regent: A person designated to exercise royal powers if the monarch is unable to do so.
  • Desamortización: The process by which the state takes away property from the Church to convert it into private property.
  • Census Suffrage: Voting rights limited to the wealthy.
  • Universal Suffrage: Voting rights for all individuals.
  • Republic: A form of government where power resides in the people, as opposed to a monarchy.
  • Federal Republic: A republic made up of several territories, each with its own government.
  • Constitutional Monarchy: A political system in which the head of state is the king.
  • Cantonalism: A political system that seeks to divide the state into quasi-independent cities.
  • Bipartisanship: A political system in which two major parties govern.
  • Caciquismo: The intervention of a person in a specific case, using their power and influence.
  • Regenerationism: An intellectual and political movement that sought to end the political system of the Restoration and the unequal distribution of land.