Spanish Liberalism: Evolution and Political Parties in the 19th Century
Review of the Third Text: Liberalism in Spain
A. Historiographical Analysis
This text is a historiographical analysis of Spanish liberalism between 1834 and 1843 by Professor Carlos Marichal. It examines the evolution of liberalism during this period, drawing on the works of other historians such as M. Artola, J.M.ª Jover, J. Fontana, and Sebastian Fernandez.
B. The Emergence of Political Parties
During the Triennium Espartero, a significant division emerged within Spanish liberalism. The moderate supporters of the doctrinaire sought a”happy mediu” between absolutism and liberalism, while the”exalte” aimed to maintain the principles of the 1812 Constitution.
The elections served as the foundation of the liberal representative system, with male suffrage restricted to a small percentage of voters. Progressives sought to extend the census, while moderates supported the district system.
Political parties began to form from the election campaigns of 1836. Both moderates and progressives were elitist, but the progressives had more liberal urban occupations, while the moderates had more rural oligarchies.
In both parties, military leaders often served as heads, such as Narváez and Espartero.
C. Context and Evolution of Liberalism
Liberalism emerged as a response to the absolutism of the ancien regime. In Spain, it was defined as a constitutional system based on national sovereignty and the separation of powers.
The nation was seen as the meeting of all individuals in Spain, and sovereignty was embodied in the group of MPs elected by restricted suffrage.
Liberalism imposed a system of Unitarianism, with provinces having equal political bodies and a common legislation.
The right to equality before the law required the elimination of noble privileges and jurisdictions.
Economically, liberalism promoted the concept of utilitarianism and the disentailment of church property.
D. Moderate and Progressive Parties
**Moderates:**
* Defined themselves as”people of orde” * Socially came from landowners, merchants, and officials * Defended the right to property and restricted suffrage * Focused on authority and social order * Leaders included Narváez and Bravo Murillo
**Progressives:**
* Considered as”freedom fighter” * Dominated by the middle and petty bourgeoisie * Upheld national sovereignty and parliamentary dominance * Rejected Crown intervention in politics * Leaders included Mendizabal, Espartero, and Prim * Strengthened local authorities and extended rights * Came to power through military coups in 1854 and 1868
E. Split in the Progressive Party
In 1849, a split in the Progressive Party gave rise to the Democratic Party. The Democrats demanded universal suffrage and freedom of worship, and had a strong popular and social character.