19th Century Spanish Liberalism: Regencies & Carlist Wars
Introduction
During the regency of Maria Cristina and General Espartero, the pattern of liberalism that would rule Spain during the 19th century was established. This liberal revolution was a radical transformation, impacting:
- Political structure
- Social structure
- Economic structure
Once on the throne, Elizabeth II implemented a moderate liberalism that benefited the new ruling class, composed of the business and landowning bourgeoisie.
Regencies, Liberalism, and the Carlist War
During the reign of Philip V, the Salic Law was established, which excluded women from the line of succession. Upon Ferdinand VII’s death, his wife immediately assumed the regency, and the Liberals promised different policies from those of the late King. Carlos, Ferdinand’s brother, proclaimed himself King of Spain as Charles V in the Abrantes Manifesto, thus beginning the Carlist War. The war and the division among Liberals resulted in General Baldomero Espartero’s rise to Head of State. The minority of the future Queen Elizabeth II was a period marked by crisis and social instability.
The Regency of Maria Cristina and the Liberal Revolution
During Isabel’s minority, Maria Cristina de Borbon assumed the regency. Although the regency didn’t fully align with their ideology, the Liberals were the only force capable of maintaining the monarchy. Gradually, liberalism was imposed, though its final consolidation wouldn’t occur for decades.
Initially, Cea Bermúdez was chosen, representing continuity with the previous period under Ferdinand VII. Administrative reforms were implemented, but not political ones. Notably, Spain was divided into 49 provinces, each headed by a political leader. However, the Liberals demanded political changes.
The Regency yielded to the idea of political reformism and agreed upon a transition. Maria Cristina called upon Martinez de la Rosa to form a government that would address the Carlist insurrection. Martinez de la Rosa initiated a series of moderate reforms, most notably the Royal Statute of 1834.
A) The Royal Statute of 1834
The Royal Statute was granted by the Regency and introduced some reforms. It represented a transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. Its main features were:
- A bicameral system of representation (Estate of Peers and Estate of Attorneys)
- The King/Crown’s power limited to convening and dissolving the Courts.
On May 20, 1834, an election law was approved, establishing the participation of Spaniards in the political process.
B) The Division of the Liberals
The failure of Martinez de la Rosa’s reforms led to the Liberals splitting into two groups: Moderates and Progressives. Both groups consisted of individuals with prestige and fortune, enabling them to attract votes and cover expenses.
During Count Toreno’s moderate government, unrest arose in cities, escalating with the arrival of exiles and anticlerical attacks. This led the Queen Regent to replace Toreno with Mendizabal. Mendizabal, a Progressive, had financial support from influential sectors in European stock exchanges. His government marked the start of the liberal revolution. During his short time in office, he implemented fundamental reforms, most notably the confiscation of church lands. However, the Queen later withdrew her support, forcing him to resign and appointing Isturiz in his place.
Isturiz, a former Progressive, shifted towards Moderatism. The division between Moderates and Progressives became definitive. Subsequently, most cities proclaimed the Constitution of Cadiz and disobeyed the Isturiz government. With the country on the brink of revolution, the Royal Guard garrison at La Granja Palace supported the Constitution of 1812 and demanded a change of government from the Regent, who was forced to agree. On this day, the Constitution of Cadiz was fully reinstated.
The Progressives and the Constitution of 1837
Following the “revolt of the sergeants of La Granja,” Maria Cristina ordered the Progressives to form a government. This government undertook a comprehensive reform program with three objectives:
- Establishment of a liberal regime
- Strengthening military action to win the Carlist War
- Development of a new constitution
The 1812 Constitution was outdated, and Parliament quickly passed a new constitution to update it: the Constitution of 1837. Its contents can be summarized as follows:
- National Sovereignty
- Division of Powers
- Legislative power vested in two chambers: Congress of Deputies and the Senate (all laws required approval by both houses)
- The King held executive power and the authority to execute laws
- Recognition of individual rights and freedom of the press as a guarantee of freedom of expression
- No ban on other religions
An electoral law was passed, establishing census suffrage for males. Eligible voters were major taxpayers and men of a certain intellectual level.