19th Century Spain: First Carlist War & Liberal State Formation
First Carlist War (1833-1840)
The First Carlist War was a civil conflict between defenders of the old regime and supporters of liberal reforms. The Carlists, advocating for absolute monarchy, were supported by the rural nobility, clergy, and peasantry. The Elizabethans, who sought a liberal state, were backed by the high nobility, bourgeoisie, and popular classes.
Key Stages:
- 1833-1836: Carlist expansion and victories.
- 1836-1840: Weakening of the Carlists.
- 1846-1849: War of the early risers.
Construction of the Liberal State (1833-1843)
The liberal revolution gained momentum in 1836 with progressive popular uprisings. Key reforms included:
- Constitution of 1837 (censitary suffrage).
- Liberal agrarian reform (abolition of noble privileges, disentailment, and seizure of lands).
- Liberalization of industry and commerce.
The liberal state was characterized by national sovereignty, constitutionalism, and parliamentarism, with alternating power between progressives and moderates. Democrats and Republicans also emerged. Political instability was marked by pronunciamientos, electoral fraud, crown interference, and popular revolts.
Key Stages:
- Regency of Maria Cristina (1833-1840):
- Transition government (1833-1835).
- Progressive governments (1835-1837).
- Return of moderates (1837-1840).
- Regency of Espartero (1840-1843): Authoritarian progressive government, including the bombing of Barcelona, leading to opposition.
Moderate Stage (1843-1868)
Moderate Decade (1844-1854)
Based on doctrinaire liberalism, the Constitution of 1845 was established. Support came from the bourgeois landowners, the crown, the army, and the church. The state was institutionalized through a Concordat with the Holy See, administrative, fiscal, and legal reforms, and the creation of the Civil Guard.
Two Progressive Years (1854-1856)
A pronunciamiento in 1854 led to a government of Progressive and Liberal Union. Economic legislation included the desamortización of Madoz and railroad laws. Social unrest grew with the rise of the working class.
Crisis of Moderatism (1856-1868)
Unionist governments (1856-1863) brought political stability and economic growth. However, the moderate government (1863-1868) faced authoritarian repression, economic crisis in 1866, and an agreement between unionists, progressives, and democrats to overthrow Elizabeth II.
Political Factions
Moderates
Advocated for order, property rights, and restricted suffrage. They saw freedom as an individual good and favored shared sovereignty between the courts and the crown, limiting individual rights. Key figures included Ramon Maria Narvaez, Francisco Bravo Murillo, and De la Rosa Bermudez. They were in power during the periods: 1833-35, 1837-40, 1843-54, 1853, 1858.
Progressives
Defended freedom, national sovereignty, and the predominance of legislative power. They supported censitary suffrage and sought to limit the influence of the Church. Key figures included Juan Alvarez Mendizabal, Baldomero Espartero, and Joan Prim Madoz. They were in power during the periods: 1835-37, 1840-43, 1854-56.
Liberal Union
A centrist party formed by a splinter group of moderate conservatives, attracting liberal elements. Key figures were O’Donell and Francisco Serrano. They were in power during the period: 1856-63.
Democrats and Republicans
Democrats sought the extension of political rights for all people, supporting national sovereignty and universal male suffrage. A key figure was Pi i Maragall. They were prominent in 1868. Republicans advocated for a republic as the only way to ensure democratic elections for all public offices.