Isabel II and the First Republic: Spain in Turmoil
Isabel II’s Reign: A Turbulent Era
Background: The First Carlist War erupted following Ferdinand VII’s death in 1833 and the abolition of the Salic Law, leading to Queen Isabel II’s reign. The war, fought between liberals and Carlists, concluded in 1839 with the Carlists’ defeat.
Regency of Mª C: In 1834, a Royal Charter (conservative) was issued, causing a division among liberals. The government of Martinez de la Rosa faced a progressive revolt, leading to Mendizabal’s government, which implemented confiscation and the Constitution of 1837 (progressive).
Regency of Espartero: In 1840, General Espartero (progressive) became the new ruler. In 1843, a revolt by moderate General Narvaez led to Isabel II’s proclamation as queen.
Queen Isabel II: Moderate Decade (1845)
Narvaez’s government introduced the Constitution of 1845 (shared sovereignty, centralized state, new civil and penal codes, and tax reform). The government controlled stores through county councils and provincial governors. The Civil Guard was created.
Two Progressive Years
A coup promoted by progressives and Democrats brought Espartero to power. The Constitution of 1856 was drafted, and the Second Disentailment (Madoz) and the Railway Act were enacted. Economic crises, social conflicts, and power struggles ended the progressive biennium.
Liberal Union (1854)
O’Donnell led the centralist party, which ruled for 12 years, bringing some stability (Education Act). Foreign actions included the expedition to Indochina, the war in Morocco, a failed attempt to recover Santo Domingo, and the war against Peru and Chile.
Crisis at the End of the Reign (1864)
An economic crisis, accentuated by the European stock market crash and the San Gil barracks revolt, marked the end of the reign.
Conclusion
The Covenant of Ostend set the stage for the Revolution of 1868 (The Glorious), an alliance between progressives and Democrats.
The First Republic: A Brief Overview
Background: The Revolution of 1868 was fueled by a financial crisis, industrial crisis, and agrarian crisis, exploited by progressives and unionists.
Government of Serrano and Prim: Narvaez resigned, and Elizabeth II abdicated. Serrano became Regent, and General Prim served as President (1869-70). Reforms included the Constitution of 1869 (progressive constitutional monarchy with separation of powers, universal male suffrage, and full national sovereignty), free-trade policy, and monetary reform with the peseta. They faced the Cuban crisis, social unrest, and the task of finding a new king (Amadeo).
Reign of Amadeo I and the First Republic
Prim’s death and Amadeo I’s failure were due to general rejection and a climate of bewilderment. Progressives split into constitutional (Sagasti) and radical (Ruiz Zorrilla) factions. The Cuban conflict escalated, and the Third Carlist War broke out. Amadeo I abdicated in 1873, leading to the First Republic.
The First Republic
Figueras’s government lacked sufficient political support. A separation occurred between federalists and unionists. Uprisings in Andalusia, federalist insurgencies, and a failed coup (radicals) led to Figueras’s resignation. Pi y Maragall became president and drafted the Constitution of 1873: a confederal republic of 17 states with its own constitution and separation of powers. However, it never took effect due to the cantonal revolution.
A widespread uprising followed in Cartagena de Andalucía, Levante, and Castile. The Carlists advanced. Pi y Maragall resigned. Salmerón became president, granting powers to the army to quell the situation and accepting capital punishment. Salmerón resigned, and Castelar formed a new government, restoring the fifth, suppressing constitutional rights, and accessing credit. The revolution was suppressed, but Cartagena resisted. Castelar sought accountability in the courts but was defeated. A conservative coup occurred when Pavia entered Congress, dissolving the meeting and establishing Serrano’s military government.
End of the First Republic
Conclusion: The First Republic faced failure and numerous problems, including difficulties in political, economic, and social development.