Spain’s Transformation: Isabel II and the Rise of Liberalism
Isabel II and the Rise of Liberalism in Spain
The Regency of Maria Cristina (1833-1840)
Upon Fernando VII’s death in 1833, his daughter Isabel II inherited the throne. Due to her minority, her mother, Maria Cristina, served as regent. This period witnessed a critical political event: the Carlist Wars (1833-1839). Ultra-absolutists, supporting Carlos María Isidro as the rightful heir, revolted against the regency. The Cristinos (Isabelinos), favoring a less reactionary regime, allied with Liberals, primarily moderates. This conflict solidified the liberal regime in Spain.
Political Crises and the Constitution of 1837
Power struggles between moderate and progressive Liberals marked Maria Cristina’s regency. The 1835-1837 uprisings led to the progressive Constitution of 1837. This constitution established shared sovereignty between the monarch and the nation, popular elections for local councils, restoration of the National Militia, religious tolerance with state support for Catholicism, and a declaration of individual rights and freedoms. The king held executive power, appointing ministers, while the legislature was shared with the courts.
The Regency of Espartero (1840-1843)
Progressive Liberals gained prominence, first under Mendizabal and then under the regency of General Espartero. However, after Espartero’s failure, moderates dominated Isabel II’s reign.
The Moderate Era (1843-1868) and the Constitution of 1845
The Constitution of 1845 reflected the moderate philosophy: shared sovereignty, a Catholic state, restricted individual freedoms, limited political participation, and significant power vested in the Crown. The monarch appointed the government and senators, and could suspend or dissolve the Cortes.
Liberals, Democrats, and Republicans
Liberals advocated for national sovereignty, separation of powers, limited monarchy, broad suffrage, and individual rights. They gained power during the Progressive Biennium (1854-1856), enacting the Madoz Law (disentailment) and promoting economic development with the Ferrocarriles Act. Democrats, a minority, sought universal male suffrage and greater citizen involvement. Republicans opposed the monarchy and favored federalism or decentralization.
The Decline of Isabel II’s Reign and the Glorious Revolution
Isabel II’s reign, marked by moderate governments under Narváez, declined into conservatism and inaction. The international financial crisis of the 1860s triggered opposition. The Pact of Ostend (1866) united Progressives, Unionists, Republicans, and Democrats to overthrow Isabel II and the moderates, whom they blamed for economic stagnation and slow liberal reforms.
The Glorious Revolution of 1868, led by Topete, Serrano, and Prim, aimed to increase citizen participation through universal suffrage and guarantee individual rights and freedoms. The revolution succeeded, forcing Isabel II into exile and ushering in the turbulent Democratic Sexenio, an attempt to establish democracy in Spain.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Liberalism
Isabel II’s reign permanently established liberalism in Spain, albeit through a pact between conservative monarchists and moderate liberals. Reforms were gradual, and the rising bourgeoisie, becoming a new ruling class, prioritized order and protectionism over freedom and progress.