Manzanares Manifesto: Origins, Impact, and Political Context
Manzanares Manifesto: A Historical Analysis
Manzanares Manifesto
This historical narrative examines the Manzanares Manifesto, drafted on July 7, 1854, in Manzanares, Spain, and its subsequent impact. The manifesto’s distribution began seven days later.
Historical Context
In 1854, the Spanish Crown heavily influenced political life. Government corruption and favoritism fueled liberal opposition. While the Crown sought to maintain power through short-lived governments, progressives were excluded, only gaining power through military actions.
The 1854 revolution stemmed from rising grain prices. A moderate military conspiracy initially failed. Subsequently, O’Donnell and Sweet joined the progressives, issuing the Aranjuez Manifesto on July 4 and the Manzanares Manifesto on July 7. These manifestos outlined progressive measures.
Development boards emerged across the peninsula. Queen Isabella II appointed General Espartero’s government due to the inadequacy of previous measures, marking a clear victory for the Progressives.
The 1854 revolution reversed the trend of 1843, where a liberal revolt led to a moderate decade.
Authorship and Intended Audience
Antonio Canovas del Castillo authored the Manzanares Manifesto, aiming to convey the generals’ demands to moderate progressives. He began his political career in the Liberal Union O’Donnell.
He held various ministries during Isabella II’s reign, did not participate in the 1868 revolution, and organized the Alfonsino party during the Sexenio. He led the conservative faction and served as President of the Council of Ministers multiple times.
The manifesto targeted the progressive party and the popular sectors aligned with its ideology.
Analysis of the Manifesto
Using a logical method, the main ideas are grouped as follows:
- Regenerate Political Life: Eradicate corruption within the moderate government, influenced by Isabella II, and address palace intrigues.
- Promote Progressive Proposals: Improve electoral and press laws, establish national sovereignty, and implement local decentralization.
- Respect National Sovereignty and the Crown: The manifesto does not challenge the monarchy or the liberal system, advocating for national sovereignty and participation in the new political landscape.
Historical Implications
The 1854 military uprising succeeded due to the cooperation of progressives and their grassroots supporters.
The manifesto aimed to break the moderate party’s government monopoly, advocating for reforms in electoral law, press law, and administrative centralization.
It defended municipal autonomy and decentralization, which were virtually nonexistent, as the Crown appointed mayors in provincial capitals.
The defense of the National Militia, a progressive measure, was reversed by the moderates after the creation of the Civil Guard in 1844.
The manifesto’s diffusion led to popular unrest, transforming the moderate military uprising into a popular and progressive movement. Isabella II then handed power to Espartero, initiating the progressive biennium.
Reforms during this period included electoral law reform and the preparation of the 1856 Constitution. However, these reforms did not meet the demands of workers, leading to an uprising in 1855 and a split between progressive and moderate unionists.
O’Donnell dissolved the National Military in July 1856 and became President of the Council of Ministers. A new decree in September ended the biennium and reinstated the 1845 Constitution.
Constitutionalism During Isabella II’s Reign
The reign of Isabella II saw the promulgation of constitutional texts inspired by the Moderate Party’s ideology.
Regency of Maria Cristina
- Royal Charter (1834): A charter granted and developed by Rosa Martinez, rejected by Maria Cristina after three years.
- Constitution of 1837: Emerged after the sergeant’s revolt in 1836, based on national sovereignty, census suffrage, and recognition of rights and freedoms. It remained in effect until 1845.
Reign of Isabella II
The reign saw the rise of moderate constitutionalism, with the Crown playing a decisive role in government and political processes.
- Constitution of 1845: Based on moderate principles, it featured shared sovereignty between the King and the courts, no separation of powers, census suffrage, no freedom of worship, limited rights and freedoms, and strengthened the monarchy. It remained valid for 22 years.
Two failed constitutional proposals were made:
- Bravo Murillo Draft (1852): In response to European revolutions, it was based on organic laws allowing the king to legislate without the courts and did not recognize rights.
- Progressive Constitution of 1856: Developed after the revolutionary uprising by moderate and progressive forces, it differed significantly from the 1845 Constitution.
Carlist Wars
The Carlist Wars were ideological conflicts between revolution and traditionalism, rather than just dynastic disputes.
On September 29, 1833, Fernando VII’s death triggered a dynastic crisis. Carlos María Isidro claimed his rights against Isabella II. Maria Cristina’s manifesto on October 4, 1833, failed to prevent civil war.
The war pitted supporters of Don Carlos against those of Isabella II.
First Carlist War (1833-1840)
The Carlist war began on October 1, 1833. The Carlist initiative was initially uncoordinated. The liberals defended cities. The Carlist siege of Bilbao failed, and Zumalacárregui died.
The Carlist attempted to extend the conflict, but their successes lacked coordination. They failed to occupy Madrid and in the second siege of Bilbao, Espartero played a key role.
The Carlist divided into hard-right and moderate factions. Maroto signed the Convention of Vergara with Espartero on August 31, 1839. Cabrera continued the rebellion in the Maestrazgo area until July 1840.
The war ended with the triumph of liberalism over Carlism.
Second Carlist War (1846-1849)
Known as the War of the early birds, it took place in Catalonia. The pretext was the failed marriage between Isabella II and Carlos Luis de Borbón. The conflict was essentially a popular uprising.
Third Carlist War (1872-1876)
The Carlist split into neocatólicos and insurrectionists. During the democratic monarchy, Carlism operated within the constitutional framework, but their representatives were confined to the Basque Country and Navarra.
An uprising began in May 1872, leading to the expulsion of Don Carlos. Another uprising occurred later that year.
Following the proclamation of the republic, the war escalated. Don Carlos returned to Spain in July 1873. The Carlist failed to take Pamplona and Irún. After the proclamation of King Alfonso XII, the Carlist cause lost support.
The war ended on February 28, 1876, with the restoration of the monarchy. Carlism did not resume the war.
Political Parties: Moderate and Progressive
Moderate Liberalism (1844-1854)
Denied national sovereignty, arguing that the Crown and courts held sovereignty. They favored a restricted electorate, centralism, and opposed individual and collective rights. Prominent moderates included Bravo Murillo, Narvaez, Martin de la Rosa, and Serrano.
Progressive Liberalism (1854-1856)
Born in 1836 with General Espartero, they supported national sovereignty, a more representative bicameral court, and an expanded electorate. Prim was a key figure.
In 1849, the Liberal Party led to the Democratic Party, which advocated for universal suffrage and extensive individual and social rights.