The Spanish Succession Crisis and the Rise of the First Republic
The Succession Problem and the Regency of Maria Cristina
Isabella II and the Pragmatic Sanction
Isabella II was born and her father, Ferdinand VII, changed the Salic Law to the Pragmatic Sanction, allowing women to inherit the crown. During Isabella II’s minority, her mother, Maria Cristina, assumed the Regency in 1833.
The Liberals and the Moderate Reforms
Although the Queen didn’t identify with liberal ideology, the liberals were the only ones who could keep her in power. She appointed Martinez de la Rosa (moderate) to form a government to face the Carlists. He initiated a series of moderate reforms, including a limited monarchy with the first bicameral Parliament of Spain, reflected in the Royal Statute of 1834.
The First Carlist War (1833-1839)
Political and Social Division
After Ferdinand VII’s death (1833), a political and social division emerged. Liberal moderates supported the King’s rights, while liberal progressives advocated for reforms.
Key Figures and the Vergara Agreement
The war’s main figures were Carlist Zumalakarregi and liberal Espartero (progressive). The war concluded with the Vergara Agreement (1839), signed between Maroto and Espartero. Carlists received amnesty in exchange for loyalty to the Queen, and the Fueros were maintained.
The 1837 Constitution and the Rise of Espartero
The Rebellion of La Granja Sergeants
In 1836, the rebellion of La Granja sergeants forced the Queen to proclaim the 1812 Constitution, which was unacceptable to moderates.
A New Constitutional Text
Maria Cristina initiated a new constitutional text with national sovereignty, power division, bicameral courts, and limited individual rights. The King had executive power, unlimited veto power, and could suspend the Courts.
The Electoral Law and Limited Male Suffrage
In 1837, an Electoral Law established limited male suffrage for men over 25.
The Fall of Maria Cristina and Espartero’s Regency
After the Carlist War, moderates sought to implement the Council’s Law, leading to protests and Maria Cristina’s exile. Espartero assumed the regency but lost popularity due to his forceful governance and limitations on Fueros. He was exiled in 1843, and Isabella II was proclaimed Queen.
The Moderate Decade (1844-1854) and the 1845 Constitution
Isabella II favored the moderates. In 1844, General Narvaez formed a cabinet that established the Civil Guard, the Council’s Law, a Tax Reform, and an Electoral Law with very limited suffrage. This culminated in the 1845 Constitution.
The Progressive Two Years (1854-1856) and the Rise of O’Donnell
Narvaez’s increasingly dictatorial rule led to a pronouncement by O’Donnell, who published the Manzanares Manifesto and gained popular support. Espartero returned to power. O’Donnell formed the Liberal Union party, positioned between moderates and progressives.
Political Instability and the Return of the Moderates (1856-1868)
A break between Espartero and O’Donnell led to the return of Narvaez and the moderates in 1856. O’Donnell returned to power in 1858, overseeing economic euphoria and foreign intervention. Narvaez’s return in 1863 marked the last period of moderate rule, ending after the 1864 economic crisis.
The Glorious Revolution (1868) and the Provisional Government
The unpopularity of the regime, economic crisis, and Narvaez’s death weakened the moderates. After O’Donnell’s death, General Serrano, leading the Liberal Union, convinced the progressives to overthrow Isabella II. The Ostende Treaty was signed, and the democratic uprising began in Cadiz in 1868. The Queen fled, and the Glorious Revolution succeeded. General Serrano became president, and General Prim became War Minister of the provisional government.
The 1869 Constitution and the Democratic Monarchy of Amadeo of Savoy (1871-1873)
The 1869 Constitution was the most radical of the 19th century, establishing national sovereignty, universal male suffrage, and a democratic monarchy with limitations on the King’s power. Amadeo of Savoy was chosen as King. However, Prim was assassinated upon Amadeo’s arrival. Facing political instability and opposition from Carlists, Alfonsinos, and Republicans, Amadeo I abdicated in 1873.
The First Republic (1873-1874) and its Challenges
The First Republic was proclaimed but lacked social support. The republicans implemented radical reforms, but faced challenges including the Third Carlist War, internal divisions, and Alphonsine conspiracies seeking to restore the Bourbons.
The Republic of 1874 and the Restoration of the Bourbons
In 1874, General Pavia staged a coup, dissolving the republican Courts. General Serrano led a provisional government, suspending the Constitution. Under Serrano’s dictatorship, the Bourbons were restored. Alphonsines, led by Canovas del Castillo, supported Isabella II’s son, who was proclaimed King Alphonse XII, marking the beginning of the Restoration.