The Reign of Elizabeth II of Spain: A Historical Analysis
Unit 12: The Reign of Elizabeth II
Introduction
In September 1833, upon the death of Ferdinand VII, the throne was contested. Carlist Don Carlos represented the traditionalist faction, while liberals supported the three-year-old Elizabeth II. This led to the establishment of a regency headed by Queen Maria Cristina.
Isabel II’s reign (1833-1868) marked a pivotal moment in Spanish history, solidifying the rise of liberalism, a movement with roots in Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations. This economic philosophy, emphasizing free markets and economic cycles, intertwined with political liberalism originating in the United States.
Spanish liberals, facing opposition from absolutists, saw an opportunity to implement these ideas. However, their efforts were challenged by two key factors: the Carlist Wars and internal divisions within liberal factions.
Development
The Carlist Wars
The 19th century witnessed three Carlist Wars in Spain. The first, lasting seven years, was the most significant. It pitted the Carlists (supporting traditional monarchy) against the Liberals (advocating constitutionalism and economic freedom). The Carlists favored a decentralized, federal system, while Liberals sought a centralized state.
The Carlist Wars had significant regional and social dimensions. Carlist support came primarily from rural areas, certain industrialists, and religious figures. Liberals drew support from Masons, bankers, merchants, and some nobles who benefited from economic reforms like the abolition of primogeniture.
Stages of the First Carlist War:
- 1833-1835: Carlist dominance, Zumalacárregui’s leadership, and the failed siege of Bilbao.
- 1835-1837: Carlist expeditions into Castile, Andalusia, and Extremadura, causing concern in Madrid.
- 1837-1840: Carlist decline, the Convention of Vergara between Maroto and Espartero, and the end of the war in the Basque Country.
The war continued in Catalonia, culminating in Espartero’s controversial bombing of Barcelona.
Divisions Among Liberals
The transition to liberalism occurred in stages during the Carlist War:
- Regency of Maria Cristina: Cea Bermúdez’s government resisted major changes.
- Moderate government of Martinez de la Rosa: The Royal Statute of 1834 granted limited power to the king.
- Progressive government: Mendizabal’s appointment, the 1836 ecclesiastical and aristocratic confiscations, and the 1837 Constitution.
Characteristics of the 1837 Constitution:
- National sovereignty
- Census suffrage
- Separation of powers
- Urban militias
- Religious secularism
- Freedom of expression
- Espartero’s Regency (1840-1843): Espartero’s dictatorial rule, the bombing of Barcelona, and his eventual overthrow by Narváez.
- Majority of Isabel II: The Moderate Decade (1843-1853), Narváez’s presidency, and a period of political peace.
Key Reforms of the Moderates:
- Municipalities Act
- Creation of the Civil Guard (1844)
- Press Act
- Concordat with the Holy See
- Constitution of 1845
Characteristics of the 1845 Constitution:
- Shared sovereignty
- Council of Ministers
- Military under government control
- Ban on militias
- Secular state
- Census suffrage
The Moderates implemented fiscal reforms (property and consumption taxes) and protectionist measures. The Moyano Law gave the state control over education curriculum.
The early 1850s saw political instability, leading to the Vicalvaro coup and the return of Espartero.
- Progressive Biennium (1854-1856): The Manifesto of Manzanares, railway construction (FCC), and the Madoz confiscation.
- Decade of the Liberal Union (1856-1866): O’Donnell’s leadership, economic growth, and laws promoting banks, companies, mines, and urban development.
- Crisis (1866-1868): Economic crisis due to loss of the U.S. market, O’Donnell’s resignation, political turmoil, and the Pact of Ostend leading to Isabel II’s expulsion.
Conclusion
Isabel II’s reign established liberalism but also led to the Carlist Wars, military involvement in politics, and regional discontent. Economic growth occurred, but the disentailment policy had negative social consequences. Despite these challenges, the era saw modernization, the development of political parties, and improvements in infrastructure and trade.