The Moderate Decade (1844-1854) and Its Aftermath
The Moderate Decade (1844-1854)
His reign began with the progressive government that lasted only until Olózaga’s dismissal in 1843. The moderate decade, led by Bravo Murillo and Narváez, commenced in 1844 and lasted until 1854. This period saw attempts to implement a doctrinaire liberal approach, curtailing national powers while expanding those of the Crown.
Key Developments of the Moderate Decade
- Creation of the Civil Guard (1844): Established by Narváez.
- Constitution of 1845: A conservative document that expanded the Crown’s powers, establishing shared sovereignty between the courts and the Queen. The Crown gained significant influence over the executive and legislative branches, including the power to appoint and dismiss ministers.
- Bicameral System: The Senate was entirely appointed by the Crown, while the Congress was elected through a restricted vote.
- Restrictive Laws:
- Law of Municipalities: Allowed for the appointment of municipal officials by the Crown and government.
- Press Law: Established censorship.
- Mon-Santillán Law: Implemented a dual tax system with indirect taxes on property and direct taxes on consumer goods.
- Pidal Law: Introduced educational reforms.
The Concordat of 1851 and the Rise of New Parties
In 1851, a concordat with the Pope addressed the issue of alienated Church lands. The Church recognized the sale of some lands while retaining others. In return, the state established a budget for worship and clergy. This period also witnessed the emergence of new political parties:
- Democrats: Split from the progressives, advocating universal male suffrage, national sovereignty, expanded freedoms, and religious liberty.
- Liberal Union: Formed from moderate progressives and more liberal moderates, led by O’Donnell.
The Progressive Biennium (1854-1856) and Its Aftermath
In 1854, O’Donnell and Dulce led the Vicalvarada, a movement advocating for a more liberal regime. Popular uprisings, led by progressives and Democrats including Espartero, coincided with this event. O’Donnell connected these movements through the Manzanares Manifesto, leading to Espartero’s appointment as head of state and O’Donnell as Minister of War. This ushered in the progressive biennium.
Key Reforms of the Progressive Biennium
- Reactivation of Church Confiscation (1855):
- Civil Confiscation (1855): Initiated by Finance Minister Madoz, offering municipal lands for sale.
- General Railway Law (1855):
- Law on Banks and Companies Issuing Credit (1856): Led to the creation of major banks.
The End of the Progressive Biennium and Beyond
The progressive biennium ended in 1856 amidst a crisis fueled by increased freedoms and burgeoning workers’ movements. Espartero resigned, leading to a period of alternating moderate and unionist governments (1856-1868). A notable unionist government held power between 1858 and 1863, followed by a period of repressive moderate governments (1863-1868). Opposition to the moderates grew, culminating in the Ostend Pact of 1866, an alliance against the regime and Queen Isabella II, formed by the Democrats, Progressives, and later joined by the Liberal Union after O’Donnell’s death. Finally, in 1868, the Glorious Revolution (or Septembrian Revolution), triggered by Topete’s pronouncement, forced Queen Isabella II and her son, the future Alfonso XII, into exile.