Carlist Wars and the Foral Question in 19th Century Spain
The Opposition to the Liberal System: The Carlist Wars and the Foral Question
Shortly before his death, Fernando VII abolished the Salic Law (in force in Spain since Philip V), which excluded women from the throne if there were male heirs in direct or collateral lines. He issued the Pragmatic Sanction, allowing his eldest daughter to inherit the throne even if she had no sons. His brother, Carlos M. ª Isidro, excluded from the throne due to his niece, did not recognize Isabel as heir and asserted his rights.
Upon Fernando VII’s death, the 1st Carlist War began, creating two opposing camps: the Elizabethan or Christian supporters of Isabel II, composed of the bourgeoisie, high clergy, nobility, and liberals, and the Carlists, defenders of Charles M. ª Isidro. The Carlists had significant support from the small rural gentry, small landowners, and farmers, particularly in the Basque Country and Navarre. They opposed liberalism, defending traditional ways of life, the old regime, Catholicism, and Basque-Navarrese charters. Their motto was God, Country, Jurisdiction, and King.
Stages of the First Carlist War:
- (1833-35) Unsuccessful Carlist attempt to occupy Bilbao. The Carlist general Zumalacárregui dies.
- (1835-37) Carlist forces reached Cadiz under the command of Don Carlos but were defeated upon their return to Bilbao.
- (1837-40) Internal conflict among Carlist leaders led to their defeat. The Convention of Vergara was signed by Carlist General Maroto and the victorious General Espartero.
The Foral Question:
The Convention of Vergara sought to reconcile both sides, reintegrating the Carlist army into the Elizabethan army and the new liberal political system. It included an ambiguous promise to maintain Basque-Navarre provincial privileges. However, subsequent laws curtailed these privileges. In 1841, the three Basque provinces lost some privileges, such as customs and the Boards. The “pass Foral” (an ancient right of legal and municipal authorities to “obey and not to comply” and “delay but not to suspend” state government provisions and orders) was also repealed. However, the Basques retained their privileged exclusion from military service. In 1846, further curtailment of privileges occurred regarding the tax system.
During the minority of Isabel II, her mother, Queen M. ª Cristina de Borbón, served as regent (1833-1840). Governments in power shifted between two liberal trends:
- Liberal Progressives (small urban middle classes)
- Liberal Moderates (landlords, industrialists, bankers)
The Royal Charter of 1834 marked the transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy. It was a charter issued, nearly organizational rules of the courts which are divided into upper chamber “of Peers” (composed by the grandees of Spain and other members appointed by the king for life) and Lower House “Attorneys” (whose members were elected by limited suffrage among the> 30 years and rents).
The Constitution of 1837: In 1836, the Progressives instigated the revolt of the sergeants of La Granja, who invaded the royal palace and forced the regent to draft a constitution with the following characteristics: National Sovereignty, Division of Powers, two chambers (Congress of Deputies and Senate), the king with powers defined in the Constitution, individual rights and freedoms (press), and tolerance of other religions.
The Seizure of Mendizábal:
This involved the suppression of all religious orders and the nationalization and sale by auction of Church assets to achieve three objectives (although the results were disappointing):
- Financial: raise revenue to pay off debt and finance the Carlist War.
- Political: create a group of owners loyal to the Elizabethan liberal regime.
- Social: create an agrarian middle class of peasant proprietors.
M. ª Cristina was forced to resign the regency for refusing to accept the Law of Municipalities (in which mayors were elected by residents). The courts decided to appoint the liberal progressive General Espartero as ruler (1841-43), who was very popular for his successes in the wars of Independence, American emancipation, and the Carlist War. However, after his decision to bomb Barcelona to quell some uprisings, he had to resign and go into exile.