First Carlist War: Causes, Battles, and Political Shifts
The First Carlist War (1833-1840)
The Christian camp, supporting Maria Cristina and her daughter, garnered support from most sectors who saw in them an opportunity to reform the country. They also had diplomatic and military support from England, Portugal, and France.
The Carlists found great recognition but lacked the support of Austria, Prussia, and Russia.
Initially, the war favored the Carlists, who defeated the government troops due to their mobility and knowledge of the land. However, they failed at the Siege of Bilbao, where their best strategist, General Zumalacarregui, died. In 1837, the Carlists attempted to break their isolation with expeditions, nearly taking Madrid. Subsequently, the Carlists went on the defensive and began negotiations with General Espartero, led by General Maroto. These negotiations culminated in the Embrace of Vergara in 1839, where, in exchange for the surrender of the Carlists, the ranks and customs of the defeated were accepted.
Regency of Maria Cristina (1833-1840)
Maria Cristina ruled as regent. While not a liberal herself, the onset of war and the need for support led her to appoint Martinez de la Rosa, a moderate liberal. This gained support from abroad (Quadruple Alliance) and led to reform measures, including allowing the return of exiled liberals, permitting limited press freedom, and re-establishing the Militia. However, she revealed her more conservative leanings with the Royal Statute, which recognized a court summons to a very elitist, bicameral body with broad legislative capacity and veto power for the crown.
Liberal Divisions
Liberals were divided into moderate liberals, who supported the government, and progressive liberals, who advocated for radical changes and the restoration of the Constitution of 1812.
Lack of funds, poor war tactics, and the continuing insurgency led to growing public agitation, distancing public opinion from Martinez de la Rosa and drawing it closer to the progressives. An insurrection broke out in 1835, forcing the regent to give the government to the progressives, led by Mendizabal, who approved a series of war measures, dismantled the system of aristocratic inheritance, allowed freedom of the press, and decreed the ecclesiastical confiscations (1836).
These progressive measures clashed with the ruler, leading to Mendizabal’s resignation. However, this attempt triggered another insurrection that culminated in the revolt of the Royal Guard at the Palace of La Granja, forcing her to hand over the government to the progressives and restore the Constitution of 1812.
Calatrava and the courts developed a new constitution in 1837, which maintained a strong executive, a bicameral legislature with a census-elected Congress, and a Senate of royal appointment.
For three years, Maria Cristina chose moderate government leaders. However, in 1840, an insurrection erupted, ending with her resignation.
Espartero’s Rule
Espartero’s government was authoritarian and intended to suppress protests, leading to less support. An insurrection occurred in Barcelona in 1842. Some moderate and progressive military uprisings led to his resignation.
Narvaez’s Reaction
Narvaez removed the progressives from power in an accelerated process of political reaction. Political periods and clubs were closed, the military was purged, and progressive and radical deputies were persecuted.