The Rise of Basque Nationalism and the Reign of Isabel II
The Rise of Basque Nationalism
Sabino Arana, the engine of Basque nationalism, gathered and formalized burgeoning nationalist ideas circulating in Basque society in the 1890s. On July 31, 1895, the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) was founded with an anti-Spanish declaration and a goal of restoring traditional Basque territory and legal order. Initially, the PNV remained small, attracting only Arana’s closest followers. To broaden its support, the party expanded its base to include the modern industrial bourgeoisie. This led to internal tensions between those advocating for full independence and those favoring autonomy within Spain. The autonomists, inspired by the Catalan model of “remaking Spain,” sought to apply this concept to the Basque Country. The party eventually found a balance between these two positions, a balance that would last for decades.
The Reign of Isabel II (1833-1868)
During the reign of Isabel II, several measures were taken to establish a Liberal State in Spain. This period is divided into two stages:
1. The Regency (1833-1843)
Due to Isabel II’s minority, a regency was established, first under her mother, María Cristina (1833-1840), and then under General Espartero (1840-1843).
1.1. Regency of María Cristina (1833-1840)
Fernando VII’s will established a Governing Council, chaired by Francisco Cea Bermúdez and composed mostly of moderate absolutists, to advise María Cristina. This government, initially absolutist, implemented only one reform: the provincial division of Spain into 49 provinces, promoted by Javier de Burgos in 1833. With Isabel on the throne, Carlist support waned. However, Cea Bermúdez’s inaction clashed with the population’s demand for reform. Royal advisors urged a change in government, leading to the appointment of the moderate liberal Martínez de la Rosa. His government developed the Royal Statute, based on the sovereignty of the King and the Cortes (parliament).
The Cortes was composed of two chambers:
- The House of Peers: Appointed by the King, consisting of the aristocracy and higher clergy.
- The Chamber of Attorneys: Elected based on census suffrage.
The King retained significant power, including legislative initiative and the ability to suspend the Cortes, leading to progressive distrust of the monarchy.
The Royal Statute proved insufficient for many liberals, who were divided into two groups:
- Moderate Party: Supported national sovereignty residing in the King and the Cortes, a bicameral legislature (Senate appointed by the Crown, Congress elected by census), a centralized state, and a strong executive. This party drew support from the upper bourgeoisie and upper-middle class.
- Progressive Party: Supported national sovereignty residing in the Cortes, a bicameral system with limited royal power, census suffrage, and freedom of the press. This party drew support from the middle classes, artisans, and progressive officials.
Dissatisfied with the moderate reforms, progressives and the popular movement, controlled by militias and revolutionary councils, staged urban riots. María Cristina then appointed the progressive liberal Juan Álvarez de Mendizábal to form a government.
Mendizábal initiated reforms to the Royal Statute and secured financial resources to combat the Carlists. His key measure was the desamortización, the confiscation and sale of church lands. In 1836, he decreed the dissolution of religious orders. The confiscated properties were auctioned publicly. This measure aimed to weaken the economic power of the old estates, provide land to peasants, and promote agriculture. However, this measure led to opposition from privileged groups, who urged María Cristina to dismiss Mendizábal, contributing to further unrest.