Spain’s 19th Century: Demographics & Liberalism
Demographic Trends in 19th-Century Spain
During the nineteenth century, the Spanish population grew from 11.5 to 18.6 million inhabitants. However, this growth was less than that experienced by other European countries during the same period. The reasons for this slower growth included subsistence crises and epidemics, caused by shortages and a lack of hygiene.
This situation was not homogeneous across the country. The imbalance between a growing population and a lack of resources caused migration, both internal and external.
- Internal Migration: Occurred in the last decades of the century, primarily from the center to the periphery, with ever-growing urban centers like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Malaga.
- External Migration: Peaked from 1882, mostly directed towards Argentina and Cuba. Migrants came from the Canary Islands, Galicia, Santander, Catalonia, Alicante, and Murcia.
Liberalism During the Reign of Isabella II
Political Developments: The Regencies of Maria Cristina and Espartero
Following the death of Ferdinand VII, Isabella II was only 3 years old. Until she was declared of age at thirteen, there were two regencies:
- Her mother, Maria Cristina de Borbon, the queen governor.
- General Espartero, winner of the Carlist Wars.
This period marked the transition from the Old Regime to liberalism, and a split between moderate liberals and progressives.
The Regency of Maria Cristina
The regency of Maria Cristina took place during the First Carlist War and was marked by the liberals’ victory. Her first government, led by Cea Bermúdez, was notable for its moderate liberalism. A significant action was the new provincial division of Spain, carried out by Minister Javier de Burgos.
Liberals demanded deeper reforms. Not wanting the regent to govern with the Constitution of Cadiz (too liberal in her opinion), a compromise was reached. The Royal Statute of 1834 was approved. However, it was not a result of the expressed will of the nation, but a royal concession. The majority of liberal forces protested, as the crown retained almost all its powers, including convening the courts at will.
Structure of the Royal Statute
It had two chambers:
- Estate of Peers: Formed by senior clergy, administrators, nobles, and large landowners, appointed by the crown for life.
- Establishment of Solicitors: Composed of persons elected by a very restricted suffrage (only 0.15% of the population could vote).
This situation resulted in the division of liberals into moderates (favoring few changes) and radicals (requiring deep and rapid reforms).
A new government led by Martinez de la Rosa, who inspired the statute, faced serious problems:
- Bankruptcy of the state.
- Continuous disturbance of public order.
- Radicals began to conspire with the militia and the military.
The sergeants of La Granja revolted, forcing the regent to enforce the Constitution of 1812 and appoint a new government with progressive liberals, led by Jose Maria Calatrava, with Mendizabal as Minister of Finance. The new government called for elections to the Constituent Cortes, held by indirect universal suffrage. The result was the Constitution of 1837.
Constitution of 1837 Key Features
- National sovereignty.
- Comprehensive statement of rights.
- Legislative power was shared by the king and the bicameral courts (Senate and Congress).
- Restricted voting rights.
- Declared a confessional state, although it permitted freedom of worship.
Legislative measures adopted during this period included the confiscation led by Minister Mendizabal. The regent came to disagree with the policies pursued by the progressives. Her refusal to approve a law on municipalities, whereby mayors would be elected by the citizens and not appointed by the government, led to her resignation in 1840. She was replaced by General Espartero.