Spanish Liberalism: Principles, Factions, and Historical Impact
Defining Liberalism: Freedom, Equality, Property
Liberalism is a political doctrine centered on defending individual freedom, equality before the law, and private property. Its first significant manifestation in Spain occurred during the Cortes de Cádiz, where the term ‘liberal’ emerged in opposition to absolutism, though precedents existed in enlightened reforms.
Liberals believed in the happiness and aspirations of all individuals, in material progress, and in individual freedom. They therefore advocated for the pursuit of wealth, private property, and individual liberty as fundamental rights, which socially differentiated individuals. To ensure free competition in the pursuit of wealth, rules were deemed necessary to guarantee this freedom: these were the laws of the market, emphasizing free competition in supply and demand. It was also considered essential to ensure equal opportunities for all initial conditions and access to political power, hence the emphasis on individual rights and the relative neglect of social or collective rights.
Political System: Parliament and Census Suffrage
Liberals advocated for a free, parliamentary political system, in direct opposition to absolute monarchy. Believing society was organized according to the differing capacities of individuals, liberals defended the preferential right of the wealthiest and most notable citizens to participate in political life. This preference was enshrined in their ideology through the restriction of voting rights and eligibility for office via census suffrage.
Ferdinand VII’s Reign: Moderates and Radicals Emerge
Liberalism gained broad social support, leading to the emergence of two distinct trends during the reign of Ferdinand VII: the Moderates and the Radicals.
- The Moderates favored a strong central government, limited press freedom, census suffrage, and the protection of property and social order. They primarily represented the urban business bourgeoisie.
- The Radicals, on the other hand, were the precursors of the future Progressive Party. They were generally younger, more fervent, and advocated for a more expansive interpretation and application of the constitution.
Major Liberal Parties: Moderate and Progressive
The divisions within liberalism, forged during its struggle against absolutism, eventually solidified into two major parties: the Moderate Party and the Progressive Party. From these, later emerged the Unionist, Democratic, and Republican parties.
The Moderate Party: Doctrinaire Liberalism
The Moderate Party was rooted in doctrinaire liberalism, advocating for:
- Joint sovereignty (between Crown and Cortes)
- A constitutional monarchy with broad powers for the Crown
- Bicameral Cortes (parliament)
- Limited individual freedoms
- Very restricted census suffrage
- Close state-church relations
- A centralized state
- Above all, the preservation of social order and private property, considered a sacred and absolute principle.
They favored legislation that defended the interests of landowners.
The Progressive Party: Advocating Broader Rights
While the Progressive Party agreed with some principles of doctrinaire liberalism, it marked significant differences from the Moderates by defending:
- National sovereignty
- Broader individual rights
- The extension of voting rights
- Greater autonomy for local authorities
- Religious tolerance.
They primarily defended the interests of the financial and industrial bourgeoisie.
Other Liberal Factions: Democrats and Unionists
The Democratic Party: Universal Suffrage and Inclusivity
The Democratic Party’s core principles included the defense of individual rights, universal suffrage, and a political system open to all social classes.
The Unionist Party: A Centrist Fusion
The Unionist Party (Unión Liberal) represented a fusion of advanced liberal conservatism and centrist progressive ideals.
The Anti-Liberal Counterpoint: Carlism
Following the succession crisis after Ferdinand VII’s death, Spain became divided between supporters of liberalism and its enemies, who rallied behind Carlism.
Carlism is defined as a socio-political and counter-revolutionary movement with an anti-liberal character that emerged in Spain in the early 19th century, rejecting the establishment of a liberal state and society. More than just a dynastic issue, it was a clash between two models of society, where Carlist traditionalism advocated for an absolute monarchy of divine origin, the traditional councils, and the primacy of the Catholic Church.