Spanish History: Moderate Decade & Progressive Biennium
The Death of Ferdinand VII and the First Carlist War
The death of Ferdinand VII in 1833 initiated a civil war over succession. Two factions emerged: the Moderates, who sought to assimilate principles of the French Revolution and were attentive to the economic interests of their supporting social forces, and the Progressives, who enjoyed greater sympathy among the middle classes. The Progressives also believed that sovereignty resided in the nation and that the king should swear to uphold the constitution. They defended census suffrage elections, although they favored expanding citizen participation by reducing the required annual contribution. They also advocated for greater liberalism and the suppression of the “blood tax” (military conscription).
The Royal Statute of 1834
The new minister, Martínez de la Rosa, attempted to achieve a balance between moderates and radicals. The statute was a charter granted, not a true constitution, and therefore incomplete.
Progressive Reactions
The Mutiny of the Sergeants of La Granja in 1836 forced the regent, Maria Christina, to restore the Constitution of 1812 and appoint José María Calatrava as chief of government.
The Constitution of 1837
The Cortes Generales developed the new constitution, which Maria Christina swore to uphold. Meanwhile, the Carlist army marched towards Madrid from Navarre. The constitution became a unifying element among liberal groups against the Carlist threat.
Disentailment: Mendizábal
Church properties were disentailed, meaning they were no longer considered “mortmain” (inalienable). They became national property and were auctioned off. This led to a break in diplomatic relations with Rome. Mendizábal’s primary concern was the continuity of Isabella II on the throne, which required winning the Carlist War. To gain credibility abroad and secure loans, he needed to reduce debt. The disentailment was intended to win the war and eliminate debt. The Church was to be transformed into an institution of the new regime. However, the disentailment did not serve to divide the land among the disadvantaged, leading to the appearance of landless laborers.
The Regency of Espartero
After the end of the war, Espartero enjoyed great prestige, which increased when he defended the Law of Municipalities in 1840. There were uprisings, and Maria Christina renounced the regency, appointing Espartero as regent.
The Moderate Decade (1843-1854)
The Moderates sought to reconcile two concepts: order and freedom. At the end of 1843, the government headed by González Bravo was abolished, along with the National Militia, which was replaced by the Civil Guard. The government also exerted control over the press. The Organic Law of Municipalities delimited the functions of mayors, making them dependent on the central power, which would be appointed by the Crown.
The new constitution was enacted in 1845 and was clearly moderate. It denied that national sovereignty resided in the people and claimed it was shared between the king and the Cortes. One of the most important political reforms was the removal of limitations on the powers of the king. Another aspect of the constitution was that the religion of the Spanish nation was declared to be the Catholic Apostolic Roman faith. This helped to restore relations with the Pope. Politically, moderate governments sought to win acceptance from Rome and restore the right of presentation of bishops.
The Progressive Biennium (1854-1856)
Favoritism in social life and corruption in politics led to a revolution in 1854. A faction of the army, led by General O’Donnell, ruled in Vicálvaro, confronting government troops. They retreated towards Manzanares and Andalusia, where they were joined by General Serrano. They launched the Manzanares Manifesto, which contained progressive promises. Almost all of Spain joined the insurrection, and Queen Isabella II decided to hand over power to Espartero, beginning the Progressive Biennium.
After two years of difficult government, the most liberal measures were developed, and a new constitution was drafted but not promulgated. The desire for reform contained in the 1845 constitution was now reflected in the new draft: it recognized national sovereignty, limited the power of the Crown, subjected the press to jury trials, restored the National Militia, stipulated that mayors be elected by residents, expanded the electorate, and affirmed the autonomy of the Cortes and their primacy over the Senate. It also contributed to the development of the railway system.