Spain’s Liberal Revolution: Isabel II’s Reign (1833-1868)
Item 2: Liberal Revolution during Isabel II’s Reign (1833-1868)
During Isabel II’s reign (1833-1868), Spain underwent a liberal revolution, starting with a civil war between Carlists (absolutists) and Isabelines (liberals) due to a dynastic conflict after Fernando VII’s death. A new ruling class, the bourgeoisie agraria, emerged. However, establishing a truly representative parliamentary system faced challenges, with party changes often resulting from military coups or popular revolts.
The Liberal Revolution Process (1833-1843)
Between 1833 and 1843, the Old Regime was legally dismantled, property was consolidated, and a liberal state was configured. Fernando VII’s will established a Governing Council to advise Regent Maria Cristina, led by the absolutist moderate Cea Bermúdez. The only significant reform was Spain’s new provincial division into 49 provinces. The Isabeline throne faltered due to:
- Government inaction in the Carlist War.
- Regent Maria Cristina appointing a moderate liberal, Francisco Martínez de la Rosa, to lead a new government.
His proposal, the Royal Charter, aimed to summon a Cortes. The division between moderate liberals (doceañistas) and progressives (veinteañistas) shaped Spanish politics. The monarchy, needing support, accepted a progressive government to initiate liberal reforms.
Progressive Liberals in Power
Progressives drew strength from popular movements and the National Militia. They staged urban riots demanding:
- Meeting of Cortes
- Freedom of the press
- New electoral law
- Extinction of regular clergy
- Reorganization of the National Militia
- Levy of 200,000 men for the Carlist War
Maria Cristina appointed liberal Mendizabal, who reformed the Royal Charter and confiscated Church property. Riots led to the restoration of the 1812 Constitution, and Maria Cristina handed power to the progressive Calatrava in 1836.
Dismantling the Ancien Regime
Progressives implemented a liberal, constitutional, and parliamentary monarchy through land reforms:
- Dissolution of manors
- Abolishing primogeniture
- Confiscation of Church and communal lands
Measures were taken for free market operation, including abolishing privileges of the Mesta, unions, and ecclesiastical tithes.
The 1837 Constitution
A special Cortes drafted a constitution adapting the 1812 one. Approved in June 1837, it affirmed national sovereignty, citizen rights, separation of powers, and the Establishment Clause. It also included moderate elements:
- Two legislative chambers: Congress and Senate
- Wide powers to the Crown
- Funding commitment for Catholic worship
Alternation in Power (1837-1843)
Moderates and progressives alternated in power. Generals Espartero (progressive), Narvaez (moderate), and O’Donnell (moderate with progressive ideas, founded the centrist Liberal Union) played key roles. Moderates won elections, tried to undermine progressive legislation, and faced opposition over municipal reintroduction, leading to Maria Cristina’s resignation in 1840. Espartero, the Carlist War victor, became ruler.
Espartero’s Regency (1840-1843)
Espartero acted with strong authoritarianism. His approval of a tariff opening the Spanish market to British cotton caused an uprising in Barcelona. Moderates, led by O’Donnell and Narvaez, conspired against him. Espartero left the regency, and Isabel II was proclaimed Queen at thirteen.
The Moderate Decade (1844-1854)
The 1844 elections gave moderates a majority, led by General Narvaez. The 1845 Constitution reflected conservative ideas:
- Joint sovereignty between king and parliament
- Abolition of the National Militia
- Exclusivity of the Catholic religion
- Enormous powers to the Crown
- Voting limited to major contributors
A Concordat with the Vatican in 1851 recognized Isabel II, accepted disentailment, and confirmed Catholicism as the official religion.
Institutionalization of the Liberal State
Moderates consolidated the liberal state through centralism, uniformity, and hierarchy. Laws and administrative reforms were undertaken, including a Criminal Code. Municipal control was emphasized with a hierarchical structure.
Moderate Government Crisis
Moderate governments failed to provide stability, acting arbitrarily and rigging elections. Bravo Murillo’s government (1852) proposed a technocratic dictatorship, but faced opposition. A revolution in 1854, promoted by Democrats and Republicans, brought progressives back to power.
Two Progressive Years (1854-1856)
General Leopoldo O’Donnell led a military coup in 1854. The Manifesto of Manzanares, drafted by Antonio Canovas del Castillo, outlined progressive claims. Espartero was called to lead. Key events included:
- A new constitution in 1856 (short-lived)
- Civil confiscation of 1855 (Pascual Madoz)
- General Railway Act (1855)
Espartero resigned, and O’Donnell restored the moderate regime.
Decline of Isabeline Era (1856-1868)
This was an unstable period. Narvaez returned in 1863 and 1868, reinstating conservative principles. In 1866, progressives, Democrats, and the Liberal Union formed the Pact of Ostend to overthrow Isabel II. The 1868 Glorious Revolution marked the end of her monarchy.