Spain’s Constitutional Evolution under Elizabeth II
Elizabeth II’s Constitutionalism in Spain
The government during Isabel II’s reign was characterized by a liberal system, where power alternated between Progressives and Moderates. This alternation was reflected in the different constitutions enacted.
Early Constitutionalism: 1834-1843
The Royal Statute of 1834
Promoted by Martínez de la Rosa, this statute attempted to establish a limited liberal system. It was a very restricted charter, granting limited rights. The Cortes (parliament) were bicameral, consisting of an Assembly of Nobles and Procurators for the Kingdom. Both chambers were advisory and lacked legislative power. Sovereignty remained with the Queen.
The Pronouncement of La Granja (1836)
In 1836, Istúriz ordered the dissolution of the Cortes, leading to the revolt of the Royal Guard soldiers at La Granja. This event, known as the Pronouncement of the Sergeants of La Granja, forced the re-enactment of the 1812 Constitution and the acceptance of Calatrava’s rule, leading to new elections for the Cortes.
The Constitution of 1837
This constitution incorporated national sovereignty and the division of powers (similar to Cádiz), though it granted more power to the King and expanded the Bill of Rights. The Cortes became bicameral, comprising the Senate and Congress. Both the Cortes and the King participated in lawmaking. The King was limited, inviolable, and politically irresponsible. Key leaders during this period included Calatrava and later Espartero.
Mendizábal’s Ecclesiastical Confiscation
A significant measure was Mendizábal’s Ecclesiastical Confiscation in 1836, which expropriated Church lands. The state sold these lands to raise funds for the Treasury, finance the Carlist War, and create a class of landowners invested in defending the liberal system. The state also committed to providing a salary for the clergy.
Javier de Burgos’s Provincial Division
Javier de Burgos implemented a new provincial division and a provincial council law, which, however, excluded the middle classes from their political rights. During this period, the Queen was exiled, and Espartero served as regent, becoming chairman of the regency in 1840.
The Moderate Decade (1844-1854)
Following the Pronouncement of Narváez in 1843, Queen Isabel II was declared an adult, ushering in the Moderate Decade. This period was dominated by the Moderate Party.
The Constitution of 1845
The Constitution of 1845 reflected shared sovereignty between the Crown and the Cortes. It established bicameral Cortes, with the Senate elected by the King. This constitution curtailed judicial independence and significantly reduced individual rights.
Key Moderate Reforms
Other significant measures included:
- The creation of the Civil Guard in 1844.
- Reforming the state administration and restoring the Municipal Law in 1845.
- Signing a Concordat with the Holy See in 1851, which reconciled the Spanish government with the Church.
During this reign, Queen Isabel II married Francis of Assisi. Prime Minister Murillo proposed a more authoritarian system of government, but his party’s lack of support led to his resignation.
Fall of the Moderates & Progressive Biennium
The fall of the Moderate Decade was triggered by two key events: the Pronouncement of O’Donnell (the Vicalvarada) and the Manzanares Manifesto. This led to the Progressive Biennium (1854-1856), a period where O’Donnell and Espartero shared power.
The Non-Promulgated Constitution of 1856
A new constitution was drafted in 1856, but it was never promulgated. This Progressive Constitution aimed to establish national sovereignty, a broad list of rights, and elective Cortes.
Key Progressive Reforms
Other significant reforms included Madoz’s Confiscation (1855), which further expropriated communal and municipal lands. Laws were also enacted to promote economic development, such as the Railroad Law and the Mining Law.
Later Years of Isabel II’s Reign
With the return to the 1845 Constitution, Narváez returned to power, often alternating with General O’Donnell. O’Donnell founded the Liberal Union party, which would lead the government during the ‘Long Government’ (1858-1863), a period of relative stability and increased international prominence for Spain.
Political Instability and the Ostende Pact
The final years of Isabel II’s reign were marked by the Queen’s increasing involvement in politics, leading to widespread protests and strong repression. Progressive Liberals allied with Democrats, culminating in the Pact of Ostende (1866), which aimed to overthrow the Queen.