The First Carlist War: Dynastic Conflict and Political Shifts
Dynastic Conflict in Spain (1830s)
In 1830, the birth of King Ferdinand VII’s daughter, Isabel (Elizabeth), seemed to guarantee the continuity of the Bourbon dynasty. However, the Salic Law, which prevented women from inheriting the throne, complicated matters. Ferdinand, influenced by his wife Maria Cristina, repealed the Salic Law through the Pragmatic Sanction, opening the way for his daughter to become his heir.
Carlos, Ferdinand’s brother, refused to accept this new situation. Supporters of Carlos and the former absolutist regime pressured the ailing king to reinstate the Salic Law, which would have benefited Carlos. Maria Cristina, determined to secure the throne for her daughter, sought support from liberals. She was appointed as regent during the king’s illness and formed a new reformist government.
Upon Ferdinand’s death, he reaffirmed his will, naming his daughter Isabel as heir to the throne and Maria Cristina as regent until Isabel came of age. Don Carlos proclaimed himself king in northern Spain, marking the beginning of the First Carlist War.
Development of the Armed Conflict
The first Carlist uprisings occurred in 1833, primarily in the mountainous regions of Navarre and the Basque Country. Don Carlos received support from absolutist powers such as Russia, Prussia, and Austria. Isabel II was supported by Britain, France, and Portugal.
The conflict can be divided into two stages:
First Stage
This stage was characterized by the stabilization of the war in the north and Carlist triumphs. The insurrection gained momentum when Don Carlos left Britain to settle in Navarre, where he established an alternative monarchy.
Second Stage
The war shifted in favor of the liberals, largely due to the victories of General Espartero. The Carlists launched a new strategy involving expeditions to other regions. However, internal divisions between those favoring a negotiated settlement and those advocating uncompromising resistance weakened Carlism.
Ultimately, General Maroto agreed to sign the Convention of Vergara with General Espartero. This agreement maintained the charters (fueros) in the Basque provinces and Navarre and integrated Carlist officers into the royal army.
Constitution of 1837
The progressive government convened a special court to draft a constitutional text, adapting the Constitution of 1812 to the new political landscape. The document aimed to establish a stable framework acceptable to both progressives and moderates.
The Constitution of 1837 incorporated some progressive principles while also including moderate elements. Key aspects included:
- Press Law: Abolished prior censorship.
- Electoral Law: Established a restricted census suffrage system.
Political Groupings
Moderates
The Moderates defined themselves as proponents of order and consisted of landowners, merchants, conservative intellectuals, clergy, and military officers. They defended the right to property and conceived of freedom as an individual right, but one that was subordinate to the principles of authority and social order. They supported shared sovereignty between the courts and the crown and favored limiting individual rights.
Progressives
The Progressives considered themselves defenders of freedom and were primarily composed of the middle and lower bourgeoisie, middle-ranking army officers, and urban popular classes. They defended the principle of national sovereignty as the source of legitimacy and advocated for the dominance of the courts in the political system. They favored strengthening local authorities and granting broad individual rights. While they retained the principle of census suffrage, they sought to expand the electorate. They also advocated for land reform.