Spain’s Progressive Biennium and Espartero’s Regency: 1840-1856
Progressive Biennium (1854-1856)
In 1854, discontented progressives and moderates staged a military coup known as the Vicalvarada (Vicálvaro), led by General O’Donnell. This uprising was accompanied by the Manzanares Manifesto, which reflected a strong desire to reform the existing political system.
A frightened and unsupported Queen Isabella II named Espartero as head of government, while O’Donnell, who had the support of the military, was appointed Minister of War. The new Cortes produced a new constitution, the Constitution of 1856, which was never enacted and thus famously called the non nata (stillborn) constitution.
Key Progressive Reforms
The progressive government’s actions highlighted significant reforms:
- The Law of Civil Confiscation or General Confiscation (1855): Enacted by Madoz, this law put on sale the assets of municipalities, military orders, and charitable institutions. Madoz’s measures led to the deterioration of living conditions for many peasants and increased social tensions, particularly in rural areas and Andalusia.
- The Railways Act (1855): This crucial legislation laid the groundwork for the formation of the Spanish railway network.
Political Instability and O’Donnell’s Coup
The differences between Espartero and O’Donnell, clashes between progressives and moderates, and Espartero’s growing authoritarianism led to great political instability. In this volatile situation, O’Donnell staged another coup, defeating the militia and shifting power from Espartero and the progressives.
Espartero’s Regency (1840-1843)
Causes of Espartero’s Rise to Power
In the elections of September 1837, moderates won a majority and began to dominate the government. The strong support of Regent Maria Cristina for moderate policies provoked a confrontation between the progressives and the Crown. A widespread insurrection arose in many areas of the country, and Maria Cristina, rather than supporting a progressive government, resigned. Progressive factions then looked to General Espartero as their leader.
Espartero’s Authoritarian Measures
Espartero assumed the regency in 1841, but his attitude in government soon demonstrated marked authoritarianism. A tariff passed in 1842 opened the Spanish market to British cotton fabrics, directly threatening Catalan industry. This measure provoked an uprising in Barcelona, which involved both the bourgeoisie and the working classes, who saw their livelihoods jeopardized. Espartero responded by bombing the city to force its submission. The moderates seized this opportunity to orchestrate a series of conspiracies led by Generals O’Donnell and Narváez.
The Fall of Espartero’s Regency
Espartero fell victim to a conspiracy involving both anti-Espartero progressives (such as Joaquín María López) and moderates (like González Bravo, General Narváez, and O’Donnell).
The Role of Joaquín María López
In 1843, the government presided over by Joaquín María López prompted Espartero’s resignation, accusing him of dictatorial methods. Espartero refused, leading the government itself to resign and creating a political crisis.
Narváez’s Pronouncement and Espartero’s Exile
Shortly thereafter, General Narváez issued a pronouncement with the army in Torrejón de Ardoz. After a brief skirmish, Espartero renounced the regency and was exiled to England.
Isabella II Declared of Age and Subsequent Events
A provisional government, headed by Joaquín María López, was formed, and Isabella II was declared of age. Isabella II then appointed Salustiano Olózaga, her former tutor, as Head of Government. Olózaga obtained the Queen’s approval to dissolve the Cortes, which were dominated by moderates. The moderate-dominated Cortes did not accept this dissolution and accused Olózaga of abusing the Queen’s trust regarding the right of dissolution. Olózaga was accused of dishonor and forced to resign. His place was taken by the moderate González Bravo, who immediately restored the Municipalities Act, which granted the government…