Reign of Isabella II: Political and Economic Developments in Spain
The Reign of Isabella II: A Period of Transformation
In 1833, Ferdinand VII died, ending the Ancien Régime. The liberal bourgeoisie took control of Spain, initiating the regency of Maria Cristina because Isabella was only 3 years old. The Carlist Wars erupted between the Isabelinos (liberals defending capitalism) and the Carlists (absolutists defending the old regime). The first stage of the war primarily affected rural areas. The Liberals triumphed after the Battle of Luchana, led by Espartero. In the second stage, concentrated in the Basque region, Carlists were divided between those who wanted to end the war (Maroto) and those who did not. The former prevailed, leading to the Agreement of Vergara between Maroto and Espartero, promising to respect the privileges in Carlist areas.
Political Developments
Initially, a government of moderate liberals, with Carlist leanings, focused on promised reforms. However, liberals protested, leading to a change in government after the publication of the Royal Charter in 1823, which caused a split between progressives and moderates. In 1833, the progressives gained power due to their stance on the war and a military coup. A key figure was Mendizabal, who emphasized land reform (eliminating jurisdictional lordships, privileges, and the Mesta nobility) with the objective of improving the treasury and raising money for war expenses, increasing peasant proprietors, and improving land quality. To achieve this, three decrees abolished religious orders, with convents becoming state property and their assets sold. This particularly benefited the bourgeoisie and nobility, who bought the land in lots. The progressives remained in power until the Sergeants of La Granja revolt.
The economy changed after the Constitution of 1837, which incorporated moderate and progressive principles (national sovereignty, power of the king). After its development, elections resulted in a moderate triumph, leading to changes in government, such as mayors and civil servants being appointed by the King. This increase in power for the moderates led to protests, and Maria Cristina resigned, replaced by Espartero. His government is notable for the confiscation of clergy property. Divisions among progressives regarding reforms, particularly a free trade policy, increased enemies and conspiracies (Narvaez and O’Donnell), ultimately leading to Espartero’s removal in 1843 and the proclamation of Queen ISABELLA II.
Elizabeth II’s Reign: Three Stages
The Moderate Decade (1844-54)
Under a moderate government led by Narváez, economic improvements were pursued. The Constitution of 1845 established shared sovereignty between the King and the Cortes (controlled by the Queen), emphasized the Catholic faith, and restricted freedoms of assembly and expression. Liberal reforms were implemented in administration and education, contact with the Holy See was re-established, and the Civil Guard (under the Duke of Ahumada) was created to maintain order in rural areas. Fiscal reforms introduced direct and indirect taxes. Pressure groups emerged, and corruption led Bravo Murillo to attempt constitutional reform to give more power to the government and curtail freedoms, triggering the Vicalvarada.
The Progressive Biennium (1854-56)
This period began with the Vicalvarada, among other causes. Previous attempts had failed (Dulce and O’Donnell), but the Manzanares Manifesto (by Canovas del Castillo) demanded an end to corruption, greater autonomy, and tax rebates. Isabella II handed power to Espartero and Narváez, initiating a progressive government with the Constitution of 1837 as its base. The Madoz Law of 1855 secularized land and promoted railroad construction with the objectives of amortizing the debt, subsidizing railroad building, and balancing the budget. Carlism resurfaced, and the government faced protests from poorer classes, leading to the loss of support from O’Donnell and his Liberal Union party. The Queen appointed him head of government.
Return to the Moderate Stage (1856-68)
The Constitution of 1845 was reinstated. Social problems led to two main issues: Carlism and peasant revolts. The economic situation deteriorated due to a subsistence crisis and financial problems. In 1866, progressives and democrats formed the Ostend Pact.