The Reign of Isabel II and Spain’s First Republic (1833–1874)
Isabel II: The Reign of the Queen (1833–1868)
The Triumph of Liberalism (1833–1844)
As Isabel II was a minor, there was a period of regency. The first ruler was Maria Cristina, her mother. This coincided with the First Carlist War, and to win, she allied with the Liberals.
The Liberals were divided into two groups:
- Moderates: Advocated for limited reforms.
- Progressives: Advocated for deep reforms.
Maria Cristina initially empowered the Moderates, but later yielded to the Progressives following protests. Under the Progressives, Mendizábal oversaw the confiscation of church property and established a new Constitution of 1837, which was not as advanced as some desired. Maria Cristina resigned due to clashes with the Progressives.
The second regent was General Espartero. His authoritarian form of government alienated both Moderates and Progressives. These two groups united and forced Espartero’s resignation. Isabel II was subsequently declared queen at age 13.
The Moderate Decade (1844–1854)
During the first 10 years of her effective reign, Isabel granted power to the Moderates. General Narváez headed several governments. A new constitution was adopted in 1845, in which only the richest could vote, and there was no press freedom. The state was centrally organized: the civil and criminal codes were standardized across all territories, and the government controlled the provinces and appointed the mayors.
Liberals were further divided into Democrats and Republicans. This phase ended with the Pronunciamiento of Vicálvaro, led by O’Donnell.
The Progressive Biennium (1854–1856)
After the Pronunciamiento of Vicálvaro, Liberals came to power, led by Espartero and the Liberal Union party. A new process of secularization was launched, and the Railway Law was approved. Economic crises occurred, leading to worker protests, and the Queen removed the Progressives from power. The following years saw alternating governments between the Liberal Union and the Moderates. Although economic growth was strong, Isabel II’s monarchy was in deep crisis.
End of Isabel II’s Reign and the Democratic Sexennium (1868–1874)
Crisis Ending the Reign of Isabel II
The crisis that ended Isabel II’s reign was caused by several factors:
- Economic problems.
- Authoritarianism of the government.
- The Queen’s scandalous private life.
The Pact of Ostend was signed, aiming for the expulsion of the Bourbons.
The 1868 Revolution and the Monarchy of Amadeo I
In 1868, a pronunciamiento by Serrano and Prim occurred to oust Isabel II. The revolution triumphed, and the Queen left Spain. An interim government, chaired by Serrano, adopted the Constitution of 1869. Serrano was named regent.
Prim served as President of the Government and was responsible for finding a king for Spain: Amadeo I of Savoy. Prim was assassinated shortly after Amadeo’s arrival.
King Amadeo I, a modern and democratic figure, faced immediate opposition from monarchists, the Church, Republicans, and parts of the population. Two major conflicts erupted: an insurrection in Cuba and a new Carlist War. Overwhelmed by the instability, Amadeo I resigned.
The First Spanish Republic (1873–1874)
When the king resigned, the First Republic arose, facing serious problems from the start. Most political groups were monarchists, and the Republicans themselves were divided between those who wanted a federal republic and those who wanted a unitary state. This division led to the explosion of the Cantonalist movement.
The Republic also had to face the Third Carlist War and the Cuban War. Given these challenges, the Republic collapsed, lasting only 11 months. General Serrano chaired the government until another coup restored the Bourbon monarchy.