19th Century Spain: Progressive Era & Reign of Elizabeth II
Main Progressive Economic Measures of the Biennium (1855-1857)
The Progressive Biennium was a period of significant economic reform in Spain, largely driven by the progressive secularization initiated by P. Madoz. Key objectives included:
- Reducing the state’s deficit.
- Addressing food shortages and price fluctuations.
- Implementing the General Law of Railways.
The General Law of Railways
This law aimed to stimulate economic development through railway construction. The state played a crucial role by granting licenses, subsidizing costs, providing guarantees against losses, and allowing duty-free importation of materials. This led to the establishment of:
- Credit Societies Act: Created financial institutions to invest in companies, primarily focused on railways.
- Banking Act: Established financial institutions authorized to issue currency to support the anticipated economic growth from increased trade and railway development.
Main Features of the Reign of Elizabeth II (1833-1868)
Queen Elizabeth II’s reign was marked by two significant constitutions:
Constitution of 1837 (Amended in 1840 and in effect until 1845)
- National sovereignty shared with a tendency to extend the monarch’s powers.
- Bicameral legislature.
- Census suffrage (voting rights based on property ownership).
- Religious tolerance.
Constitution of 1845 (In effect until 1868)
- Shared sovereignty.
- Confessional state (one official religion).
- Very restricted census suffrage.
- Individual rights severely limited by subsequent legislation.
This period saw a shift towards doctrinaire liberalism, which limited the extent of political rights compared to the previous progressive phase.
Administrative Organization
From 1833, Spain moved towards centralization under Javier de Burgos, who reorganized the country into provinces under direct government control. Key developments included:
- Reduction of Basque and Navarrese autonomy.
- Abolition of internal customs and unification of the internal market.
- Increased government control over provincial and municipal governments.
- Adoption of the metric system.
- Implementation of an education plan and the Penal Code.
The War in Cuba (1895-1898)
The Cuban War significantly impacted the Restoration regime. It began in February 1895 with the Grito de Baire uprising, following the Montecristi Manifesto written by José Martí and Máximo Gómez. Key events included:
- The revolt spread to the Philippines in 1896, led by Emilio Aguinaldo.
- The execution of prominent Cuban intellectuals by Spanish General Valeriano Weyler in 1897.
- The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor in 1898, leading to the United States’ entry into the war.
- Spanish defeats in naval battles at Cavite and Santiago de Cuba.
The Treaty of Paris (1898)
The Treaty of Paris granted Cuba independence from Spain and ceded Puerto Rico, Guam, the Marianas, and the Philippines to the United States.
Consequences of the War
- Resentment between the military and politicians.
- Growth of popular anti-militarism.
- Rejection of the Restoration regime and the rise of the Regenerationist movement.
- Spain’s loss of its status as a major power.
In 1899, Spain sold the Caroline Islands, the Marianas (except Guam), and Palau to the German Empire.