The Carlist Wars and the Reign of Isabel II

Posted on Oct 24, 2024 in History

1. The Carlist Wars

1.1. The Causes of Conflict

The Foral Question: The question of succession, the ideological confrontation, and broad social support fueled the conflict.

1.2. Supporters of Carlism and Their Motives

  • Peasants feared becoming laborers or tenants of large landowners.
  • Lower nobility in northern Spain felt threatened by the disappearance of primogeniture and tax exemptions.
  • Conservative sectors of the Church opposed measures like disentailment and the suppression of religious orders.
  • Artisan groups feared the disappearance of guilds.
  • Some army officers were dissatisfied with the country’s evolution or their professional status.
  • Inhabitants of rural areas valued the deeply rooted protection and patronage relations.
  • Residents of regions like the Basque Country, Navarre, Catalonia, and northern areas of the eastern peninsula and Castile wanted to preserve their customs, privileges, and traditions.

1.3. The First Carlist War (1833-1840)

  1. The formation of the Basque-Navarrese focus of insurrection (1833-1835).
  2. National expeditions (1836-1837).
  3. The Elizabethan initiative and the Convention of Vergara (1837-1839).
  4. The end of the war in Maestrazgo (1839-1840).

1.4. Carlism After 1840

  • The Second Carlist War (1846-1849).
  • The revitalization of Carlism after the overthrow of Elizabeth II following the Revolution of 1868, prompting the Third Carlist War (1872-1876).

2. Isabel II: Organizing the Liberal Regime

2.1. Two Stages

  • The First Stage (1833-1843).
  • The Second Stage (1843-1868).

2.2. Majority of Isabel II (1843-1868)

During Isabel II’s reign, the liberal construction of the new state took place, with the Moderates ruling for most of the period.

2.2.1. The Moderate Decade (1844-1854)

Political Stability: Narváez established a stable but oligarchic political system, prioritizing order over freedom. Administrative corruption was widespread, and Progressives were alienated. This conservative and undemocratic liberalism is known as doctrinaire liberalism. Key figures include Balmes, Cortes, and Donoso Cortés.

The Constitution of 1845: This constitution reinforced conservative elements.

Centralizing Measures: The government implemented legislative and administrative controls at provincial and local levels. Civil governors were appointed, and mayors of major cities were chosen by the government. The National Militia was abolished and replaced by the Guardia Civil (1844). A single system of weights and measures, public education regulations, and a new Penal Code (1848) were adopted.

Approach to the Catholic Church: A concordat was signed in 1851.

End of the Moderate Decade: Opposition from Carlists and Progressives, along with the emergence of the Democrat party (1849), contributed to the decade’s end.

2.2.2. The Progressive Biennium (1854-1856)

The 1854 revolution, also known as the Vicalvarada, led to the Manifesto of Manzanares. Popular classes erected barricades in Madrid. Espartero formed a new government, with O’Donnell leading the Moderates.

Progressive Reforms: Restoration of laws and institutions, including the Printing Law and Electoral Law. A draft constitution (1856) was developed but not enacted.

Desamortización: Also known as general desamortización, this process, promoted by Minister of Finance Madoz, affected Church properties and municipal and state lands.

Economic Restructuring: This aimed to consolidate a national market.

End of the Biennium: Social conflicts and strikes led to a government crisis. O’Donnell ended the armed resistance of the National Militia.

2.2.3. Alternation Between Moderates and the Liberal Union (1856-1868)

The Liberal Union, led by O’Donnell, emerged. This period was characterized by pragmatic liberalism.

Emphasis on Economic Progress: Public investment increased, with projects like the completion of the railway and the Canal de Isabel II.

Foreign Policy of Prestige: This aimed to promote Spain’s international role and nationalism.

Internal Policy: Based on moderate principles of the 1845 Constitution.

Opposition forces promoted the Pact of Ostend (1866). Economic recession (1866-1868) increased discontent.

3. Concepts

The Glorious Revolution: Also known as the September 1868 Revolution, it marked the beginning of the Democratic Sexenio.

Royal Statute: A fundamental legal text (April 1834) during Isabel II’s minority.

Mining Act of 1868: Facilitated foreign capital for mining.

Pronunciamiento of the Sergeants of San Ildefonso: A military coup.

Agrarian Crisis: Occurred between 1875 and 1890.

Mon-Santillán Law: A financial reform in 1845.

Bank of Spain Monopoly: Granted in 1874.

Sexenio. The Constituent Cortes: Elections were called in January 1869.

  • Carlists: The extreme right.
  • Moderates: Supported the return of the Bourbons.
  • Government: Supported by Unionists, Progressives, and Democrats.
  • Federal Republican Party: Advocated for a change of regime.