The Impact of Disentailment in 19th Century Spain
The Dynastic Crisis and the Carlist Wars
With the impending death of Ferdinand VII, absolutists rallied around his brother, Carlos. The birth of Isabella, daughter of Ferdinand VII and Maria Cristina, created a succession crisis. Upon Ferdinand VII’s death, this led to the Carlist Wars, with two factions emerging: the Isabelinos (supporting Isabella) and the Carlistas (supporting Carlos). Isabella was declared heir, a decision that remained until the Bourbon restoration. The Salic Law, excluding women from the throne, was established but later challenged by the 1812 Constitution. However, Ferdinand VII invalidated the constitution in 1814. In 1830, Ferdinand issued the Pragmatic Sanction of 1830. Finally, Isabella II ascended the throne at the age of three, with her mother, Maria Cristina, as regent, followed by Baldomero Espartero.
The Regency of Maria Cristina and Constitutional Developments
Maria Cristina’s regency faced challenges due to the existing social structure of a burgeoning bourgeoisie and a peasantry attached to traditional ways. The constitutional movement was based on the Royal Statute of 1834 and the Constitution of 1837. The Royal Statute of 1834 recognized the sovereignty of the King and the Courts (divided into two chambers: Próceres and Procuradores). However, it lacked national sovereignty and individual rights, key elements of liberal ideology. Revolutionary movements in 1835 led to the formation of local and provincial boards, forcing the Queen Regent to appease liberals and radicals. After suppressing radicalism and restoring central power, a new constitution was created in 1837.
The Constitution of 1837 and the Disentailment
The Constitution of 1837 recognized national sovereignty and included a broad declaration of individual rights. It also established a balance between the Crown and the Courts. The law was entrusted to the Courts, the executive power to the Crown, and the legislative power to the King and the Chambers. The 1837 Constitution led to the Organic Law of 1840. Clerical support for the Carlist cause and the state’s need for financial resources led to the disentailment policy.
Disentailment: Economic, Social, and Political Consequences
Disentailment aimed to transfer land from the Church and municipalities to private ownership. The Mendizábal Disentailment (1836-1837) legitimized the seizure of Church properties, with the proceeds going to public auctions. The 1851 Concordat addressed the rift between the Church and the liberal state, with the Holy See recognizing the confiscations. The Madoz Disentailment of 1855 affected the secular clergy and municipal properties. The sale of these assets aimed to repay debt and fund public works.
Consequences of Disentailment
- Economic: Increased cultivated land and agricultural production, but also deforestation due to the clearing of small forest plots.
- Social: Failed to create an agrarian middle class, replacing the old social structure with a capitalist one. The main beneficiaries were large landowners.
- Political: Created a large body of supporters for the liberal cause by linking their fortunes to it.
Ultimately, disentailment was a flawed land reform that failed to create an agrarian middle class and worsened the situation of the peasantry.