Isabel II’s Reign: Spain’s Liberal Era (1833-1868)
The Reign of Isabel II: Spain’s Liberal Transformation (1833-1868)
During the reign of Isabel II (1833-1868), two main stages can be distinguished:
Minority (1833-1843)
During this period, the regency was exercised by Maria Cristina and later by Espartero.
Coming of Age (1843-1868)
Transition to Liberalism: Key Features
The transition from the absolutist state of Ferdinand VII to Isabel II’s liberal reign presented a series of features:
- Key figures were monarchists and moderate liberal reformers. The Moderates favored combining the old state with liberal principles, removing economic regulations of the Old Regime, and implementing only necessary political reforms.
- The basic legal text was the Royal Statute of 1834, a ‘third way’ between liberalism and absolutism. It was a granted charter, effectively a regulation for the convocation of the Cortes. It was advisory and could not pass laws, even if consulting the Queen. It had two houses: the Senate and the House of Deputies.
- Significant reforms included the territorial division into provinces, the liberalization of trade, industry, and transport, press freedom, and the reappearance of the National Militia.
Challenges to the Liberal System
The Elizabethan system failed due to its attempt to reconcile absolutism and liberalism. Progressive Liberals, promoted by a popular urban middle class organized through local boards, demanded more radical changes. In many cities, violent popular uprisings broke out.
Breakdown of the Old Regime
Regarding the breakdown of the Old Regime, the following should be noted:
- The most important political figure was Juan Álvarez Mendizábal, an ‘exalted’ liberal from the Liberal Triennium. His dismissal from government provoked a military coup: the Sergeants’ Revolt of La Granja de San Ildefonso.
- This rebellion ultimately led to the consolidation of the Progressives and the break with the Old Regime, which forced the Queen to implement the Constitution of 1812.
The Constitution of 1837 and Reforms
The Constitution of 1812 was amended, resulting in the Constitution of 1837. This document was more moderate in some respects than its predecessor. It admitted national sovereignty, but the Crown had a more significant role than in the Constitution of 1812. It advocated a system of shared sovereignty between the Cortes and the King, and was bicameral, with an upper house (the Senate) and a lower house (the Chamber of Deputies).
Measures of confiscation (desamortización) were implemented, similar to those of the Liberal Triennium. The most important was the confiscation of regular clergy church property. The aim was to secure funding to cover public debt and the costs of the First Carlist War. Another significant step was the abolition of the Mesta and the dissolution of guilds.
The Regency of Espartero (1840-1843)
General Espartero displaced Queen Maria Cristina as regent, gaining support from the Progressives. His brand of liberalism led to an authoritarian regime, supported by the military. The authoritarian nature of this government was opposed by many progressive politicians, and rivals emerged within the military.
Espartero’s government reinstated Mendizábal’s laws, such as the confiscation of assets from the secular clergy, which was opposed by the Church. The signing of a free trade agreement with the UK created animosity with France and harmed the Catalan textile industry. Consequently, Catalan workers fought the government in an urban revolt that took place in Barcelona. To suppress this revolt, Espartero bombed the city. Because of this, Espartero went into exile in the UK, though he maintained his prestige among popular classes.
Majority Age of Isabel II (1843-1868)
During this time, the construction of a truly liberal state proceeded. The Moderates held prominence, ruling for most of this period. Several phases can be distinguished:
The Moderate Decade (1844-1854)
This government was formed by General Narváez, leader of the Moderates. It established a stable but oligarchic political system, where order took precedence over freedom. The Cortes were often suspended, and the government falsified election results.
The Progressive Biennium (1854-1856)
Alternating Rule (1856-1868)