Spain’s 19th-Century: Liberalism, Monarchy & Republic
The Triumph of Liberalism
During the minority of Isabel II, a period of regencies occurred. Maria Cristina was the first regent; her regency coincided with the First Carlist War. In subsequent years, Mendizabal, in office, took steps to abolish the remnants of the Old Regime, such as the confiscation of Church properties. In 1840, Maria Cristina had to resign due to clashes with progressives, and General Espartero assumed the regency. However, his rule did not please either the progressives or the moderates, forcing his resignation. Before the crisis, Elizabeth II was proclaimed Queen at only 13 years old.
The Moderate Decade
During the first ten years of her reign, Elizabeth II only entrusted the government to the moderates. General Narvaez was the strongman and presided over several governments. A new constitution was adopted, limiting the right to vote to only the wealthiest. The state was organized centrally, with the government controlling the provinces and directly appointing the mayors of major cities.
The Progressive Biennium and Liberal Union
The new government launched a new process of secularization, and a railway law was passed that allowed the construction of the railway network in the following years. This period was marked by economic crisis and protests from workers and peasants. This unrest was the reason that the Queen gave for dismissing the progressive government. *This era saw strong economic growth and a boom in railway construction.*
The Final Crisis of Elizabeth II’s Reign
The last years of Elizabeth II’s reign were marked by a serious crisis. Revolts occurred in the countryside and in cities, caused by economic problems and hunger. The progressives, Republicans, and Democrats were excluded from power. The Queen became increasingly unpopular, leading a scandalous life. The progressives, Democrats, and Republicans signed the Pact of Ostend, agreeing on the expulsion of the Bourbons.
The 1868 Revolution and the Monarchy of Amadeo I
There was a determination to depose Elizabeth II. The revolution quickly succeeded without bloodshed, and the Queen was forced to leave Spain. General Prim was commissioned to find a new King for Spain: the Italian Prince Amadeo of Savoy, who became Amadeo I. His main supporter, General Prim, was assassinated in Madrid. Amadeo I was a modern and democratic king, but his position was always weak. He was opposed by the monarchists, and Republicans did not support him because he was a foreigner. During his reign, two conflicts broke out: an insurrection in Cuba and a new Carlist War. Unable to overcome these difficulties with his limited support, Amadeo I abdicated.
The First Republic
Faced with the difficulty of finding a king, the Cortes proclaimed the First Republic. The Republic faced serious problems. The outbreak of the Cantonal movement led to the creation of independent republics in Catalonia, Malaga, and Cartagena. The movement was severely repressed. The Republic also had to deal with the outbreak of the Third Carlist War and the war in Cuba. General Pavia staged a coup; the First Republic had lasted just 11 months. After the coup, General Serrano presided over the government for almost a year. No one objected when a new coup in December 1874 restored the Bourbon dynasty.