Spain’s Moderate Decade: Elizabeth II’s Reign (1844-1854)

Posted on May 22, 2025 in Economic Sciences

The Moderate Decade: Elizabeth II’s Reign (1844-1854)

Elizabeth II ascended to the throne prematurely in 1843, at thirteen years old, gaining popularity after the discrediting of the head of state following the regencies of María Cristina. This period opened a moderate regime, signifying the consolidation of power by the great landowning bourgeoisie. It was characterized by a conservative liberalism, maintaining the economic reforms of 1833-1843 but greatly restricting social and political freedoms to ensure order. During this period, governments were led by figures such as José María López (moderate), Olozaga (progressive), and González Bravo (moderate), although the great defender of the new regime was Narváez, who laid the foundations of the moderate state.

The Constitution of 1845

The first major step was the promulgation of the Constitution of 1845. The Constitution of 1845 was a text of moderate character, with the following contents:

  • Shared Sovereignty: Between the Crown and the Cortes.
  • Executive Power: Broad executive power and reduced powers for the Cortes.
  • Religion: Established the exclusivity of the Catholic religion.
  • National Militia: Abolished.
  • Bicameral System: With an integrated Senate appointed by the Crown.
  • Suffrage: Based on census suffrage, which significantly reduced electoral participation.

Key Government Actions

  • Reorganization of the Administration

    • The Law of Local Administration (1845) established control over local government by the Crown, appointing mayors.
    • The administration strengthened the provincial figure of civilian and military governors under the king’s orders.
    • The Law of Public Instruction reorganized education and designed new curricula.
    • The Officials Act separated political and administrative positions.

  • Economic Reorganization

    • Fiscal reform and Mon’s Treasury Reform (1845) ensured centralized control of taxes, differentiating between direct taxes (property tax) and indirect taxes (consumption).
    • A single decimal system of weights and measures was implemented.

  • Public Order and Safety

    • The Criminal Code (1851) was enacted.
    • The Civil Guard (1844) was created as a military organization to protect property in rural areas and maintain public order, serving as a counterpoint to the Liberal Militia.

  • Public Works

    • The government of Bravo Murillo (1851-1854) was notable for promulgating the Railways Act (1851) and the Ports Act, and for improving roads and canals under the leadership of Elizabeth II.

  • Church-State Relations

    • The Vatican Concordat (1851) prevented disentailment.

During this period, the two main Spanish liberal parties, Conservative and Progressive, were consolidated. Both became pillars of the liberal system, along with the Crown and the army. During the Moderate Decade, the role of the Cortes was almost irrelevant. The strength of the executive meant that policy was made by “cliques.” This, together with a restricted number of voters and electoral manipulation, limited any political opposition in parliament. The main opposition was Carlism. However, the Democratic Party also emerged as a critical force against Elizabeth II’s liberal monarchy.

Bravo Murillo suspended the Cortes in 1851.