19th Century Spanish Political Landscape: Moderate Decade & Progressive Biennium
Moderate Decade
Constitution of 1845 | Moderate Legislative Approach |
The Constitution of 1845 –, a prototype of moderate or conservative governance, stands as one of the most effective constitutions in the history of Spanish constitutionalism. While inspired by the 1837 Constitution, it is considerably more conservative. Key features include: significant royal power, a confessional state, census suffrage more restrictive than in 1837, a non-life term Senate, limited freedoms (excluding freedom of the press), no municipal elections, and the absence of the national militia or jury system. | Moderate administrative reforms were deemed essential for effective governance, advocating for a centralized and hierarchical state structure influenced by France. Centralism was consolidated with Javier de Burgos’ provincial division in 1834 (still in use today). Financial reforms – were enacted, public education was organized through the Moyano Law, the Civil Guard (Duque de Ahumada) was established, and the Concordat with the Vatican – was signed to restore relations with the Church, strained since the 1836 Mendizábal confiscations. This period also witnessed the Second Carlist War (1846-1849) with Cabrera’s involvement and a split within the Progressives, leading to the formation of the Democratic Party. |
Progressive Biennium (1854-1856)
In 1854, significant political instability led to O’Donnell’s coup, the Vicalvarada, bringing liberals to power. This involved Espartero, leader of the Progressive Party, and O’Donnell, leader of the Liberal Union. This exemplifies a recurring pattern in 19th-century Spanish politics: due to the Conservative Party’s dominance, Progressives often gained power through military coups.
Liberals drafted a new constitution in 1856, known as the “Unborn Constitution.” This progressive constitution emphasized national sovereignty, limited royal power, established elected chambers, expanded rights declarations, and provided for municipal elections and the national militia.
Key legislative measures focused on the economy, including Madoz’s confiscation, the creation of a financial system, and new regulations for railway construction (radial system, track gauge, foreign investment, and duty-free import of materials).
Political instability grew, marked by frequent strikes (coinciding with the emergence of the Spanish labor movement). O’Donnell eventually made a pact with the Crown and shifted towards conservatism.
Moderate, Conservative, or Mild | Exalted or Progressive | Democrats | |
Historical Context | Dominant party of the period, ruling Spain except during the Biennium and specific administrations. Emerged from the Liberal Triennium divisions. Key leader: Narváez. | Alternative to the Moderate Party. Governed during the Biennium and six years through military coups. Leaders: Espartero and Serrano. O’Donnell’s Liberal Union represented a centrist position. | Emerged at the end of Isabel II’s reign as a Progressive offshoot. Governed during the Six-Year period. |
Political Program | They are characterized by administrative reforms and state. Defend to the death the property, the order and based on census suffrage too restrictive. Supporters of shared sovereignty, great powers to the executive and the king. Preferred to limit the rights of people, especially groups (freedom of press, opinion, assembly and association). Were the most clerical liberals, defending the weight and influence of the Catholic Church. | They are characterized by economic reforms and are advocates of change and reform. But census-suffrage advocate expanding the electoral base. They opt for national sovereignty, further limit the power of the king and give preponderance to the legislative branch represented by the courts. Are in favor of strengthening the representative branches (municipalities, national militia, jury …) and to extend individual and collective rights. Less clerical conservatives who opt for secularism. | Advocate universal suffrage and the need for societal change. Supporters of popular sovereignty, the king must have only one honorary role. Opt for state intervention in education, social assistance and taxation. They are anti-clerical and give great importance to equality. |
SOCIAL BASES | Heterogeneous group composed of landowners, businessmen and conservative intellectuals, together with remnants of the old nobility and high clergy and the military high command. | Heterogeneous group also dominated the medium and small industrial and financial bourgeoisie, middle classes and artisans, some of the middle and lower officers in the army, as well as professionals. | Social background similar to that of the progressives, with a more popular and revolutionary. |
Consti-tution | Constitution of 1845 | Constitution of 1837 and 56 | Constitution of 1868 |