Isabel II Reign: Moderates, Progressives & Political Instability
Isabel II’s Reign: Moderates and Progressives (1843-1868)
After ascending to the throne, Isabel II showed a preference for the Moderados (Moderates). This began a long period of Moderate dominance. The Progresistas (Progressives) chose *seclusion*, refusing to participate in elections, and prepared statements supported by popular insurrections.
The Moderate Decade (1844-1854)
In May 1844, a cabinet headed by General Narváez, the leading figure of the Moderates, was formed. Key actions during the following decade included:
- 1844: Creation of the Civil Guard. Charged with enforcing law and order, mainly in rural areas, replacing the National Militia.
- 1845: Councils Act. Strengthened centralism by reserving the appointment of mayors for the government.
- Tax Reform. Developed by Alejandro Mon, it established a more rational, efficient, and modern tax system.
- 1846: Electoral Act. Established a truly oligarchic system with restricted suffrage for men over 25.
- 1851: Concordat. Agreement with the Holy See where the Pope recognized Queen Elizabeth II and accepted the loss of disentailed Church property. In return, the Spanish state agreed to subsidize the Church and grant it control over education and censorship.
- 1845: Constitution. Established that Spaniards are those in Spain or those born to Spanish children. This moderate constitution limited freedom of the press, established shared sovereignty between the King and the Cortes, declared Catholicism the state religion, and curtailed individual rights, especially freedom of expression.
The Progressive Biennium (1854-1856)
Narváez’s increasingly dictatorial power led to growing discontent. A new intake system culminated in a statement initiated by General O’Donnell. The military coup radicalized after the publication of the *Manifesto of Manzanares*, which called for the disappearance of consumption taxes and moderate influence. O’Donnell garnered broad popular support, encouraging other generals to join. The coup succeeded, leading to a government headed by the progressive Espartero.
O’Donnell created a new party, the Liberal Union, although he initially ruled with the progressives.
During this short period, the following measures were taken:
- 1855: General Madoz’s Secularization. Culminated the disentailment process, including assets of municipalities. This affected not only the Church but also the civil population, hurting farmers.
- New Constituent Cortes began developing a more progressive new constitution, but it was never applied.
- Steps were taken to promote economic modernization, such as the Railway Law.
Return of the Moderates and the End of Isabel II’s Reign
Growing unrest caused a split between Espartero and O’Donnell. Appointed Prime Minister in July 1856, O’Donnell began reviewing the work of the biennium, eventually bringing the Moderates back to power with Narváez in 1856. The moderate regime of the Constitution of 1845 was re-established.
After a two-year period with Narváez (1856-1858), O’Donnell and the Liberal Union returned to power in 1858. This period was marked by economic exuberance and foreign interventionism (Moroccan War, war against Peru and Chile). These wars yielded little practical result.
Narváez’s return marked the beginning of the terminal period of the Moderate party. Political instability and authoritarian tendencies marked a stage in which the economic boom ended after the economic crisis of 1864. The intended insurrection, the mutiny of San Gil in Madrid, was harshly suppressed. Narváez’s growing authoritarianism led to the formation of the Pact of Ostend, where Unionists, Progressives, and Republicans joined to overthrow Elizabeth II and the Moderate regime.