Castilla-La Mancha under Isabel II
Politics during Isabel II’s Reign
During the reign of Isabel II (1833 to 1868), Baldomero Espartero, a native of La Mancha (born in Granátula de Calatrava), held significant importance in political life. After commanding the royal armies to victory in the First Carlist War, he became the head of the Progressive Party, served as regent of the kingdom, came to power during the Progressive Biennium, and was one of the candidates for the crown in 1869.
A policy of administrative and economic reorganization was also implemented. Javier de Burgos established the provincial division of the country in 1833, creating provinces in New Castile very similar to the current ones in Castilla-La Mancha.
During the Carlist Wars, the region played a prominent role due to its strategic position as a transit zone from Andalusia and Levante to Madrid. In 1833, Carlos María Isidro de Borbón was proclaimed king by his supporters in Talavera and elsewhere. Carlist factions were supported by populations affected by the liberal reforms, especially in the Canal de Castilla and the mountains of Cuenca. However, the Carlist thrust lacked proper coordination and the absence of military figures of high caliber. In 1838, the Carlists won in several localities of Ciudad Real. They invaded the Alcarria in 1839, as well as Cuenca and Albacete. The Third Carlist War had a considerable impact in the region; the taking of Cuenca was one of the greatest Carlist achievements.
In 1854, after the Vicalvarada, the rebels withdrew to Manzanares, where they met with the progressive general Serrano, who suggested that their statement should have a civil tone. This led to the young Cánovas del Castillo drafting the Manifesto of Manzanares, which was rapidly disseminated through the use of the telegraph. It called for a “liberal regeneration” with a representative government, the abolition of the palace clique, improvements in press and electoral laws, tax cuts, a new national militia, municipal decentralization, and Constituent Cortes.
Economy and Society in the 19th Century
One of the most important processes in the nineteenth century was the Desamortización (confiscation) in Castilla-La Mancha. The disentailment process significantly increased sales volume in the province of Toledo (where the Church held great power and many properties), followed by Ciudad Real (with a large number of farms from municipalities and the state). The region accounted for 13% of the country’s total sales.
Textile manufacturing declined, and basic activities remained agriculture and livestock. Investment and liberal measures were insufficient, and the industrialization process was stalled by the lack of a powerful bourgeoisie, stable markets, and the inability to leverage product output. Although the Puertollano coal basin began operating in 1873, significant industrial development in the area did not occur until 1945.
The confiscation led to the rise of a new rentier class (bourgeoisie of merchants and industrialists) often disinclined to invest. This class supplanted the role of large landowners, replacing former owners without fostering the growth of a peasant landowning class.
Population grew in both provincial capitals and larger municipalities, particularly in the provinces of Ciudad Real and Albacete.
Arts and Culture under Isabel II
In Castilla-La Mancha, historical styles were adapted for new roles, sometimes mixed together. Neomudéjar, Eclecticism, the use of iron, and Historicism were adopted. Historicism excelled in romantic and nationalist painting. Landscape and genre scenes were also emphasized.