Isabel II Reign & 19th Century Spain: Key Events

Posted on Jan 20, 2025 in History

Reign of Isabel II (1843-1868)

The reign of Isabel II began in 1843, with the 13-year-old queen’s declaration of age. This ended a regency period marked by instability. During her reign, moderate liberals largely controlled the government. Due to the dominance of the moderates, progressives often boycotted elections, considering them rigged, or resorted to violent measures.

Moderate Decade (1844-1854)

Between 1844 and 1854, the moderates held power. Key actions during this period included:

  • Creation of the Guardia Civil (1844)
  • Adoption of the new Municipalities Law (1845)
  • Approval of the Electoral Act of 1846, with limited suffrage
  • Development of a new constitution in 1845
  • Emergence of the Democratic Party in 1849

Progressive Biennium (1854-1856)

In 1854, an economic crisis and a pronouncement by a moderate general led to the radicalization of the urban revolution. This threatened the Crown and forced Queen Isabel II to call on Espartero to form a government. A civil confiscation (1855) occurred, expropriating property belonging to municipalities and community property freely used by residents. A new constitution was drafted but not enacted.

Liberal Union (1856-1863)

Between 1856 and 1858, a new government under Narváez took power. From 1858 to 1863, General O’Donnell presided over the Council of Ministers, leading a new centrist political group, the Liberal Union, which aimed to unite the best of moderates and progressives.

Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874)

The Revolution of 1868 dethroned Isabel II. Progressive and unionist leaders governed. A new constitution was established in 1869. In 1870, Serrano’s regency began to elect a new king for Spain. Amadeo I of Savoy faced numerous challenges, including civil war, and eventually abdicated and returned to Italy.

First Spanish Republic (1873-1874)

The First Republic, established after Amadeo I’s abdication, faced many problems and lasted only a year. It ended with a coup that declared Alfonso XII, son of Isabel II, the legitimate king of Spain, initiating the Restoration period.

Disentailment

The Ecclesiastical Disentailment of Mendizábal (1835-1837) involved the nationalization and auctioning of expropriated property from the Church. This affected the lands and assets of all suppressed religious orders. The stated objectives were:

  1. To generate income to pay the state’s public debt.
  2. To expand the number of supporters of liberalism.
  3. To create an agrarian middle class of peasant proprietors.

However, the disentailment created new enemies among the most religious segments of the population. It did not fully achieve its financial or social goals, as the land primarily went to the bourgeoisie and nobility.

Constitutions

  • 1837: Progressive, national sovereignty, separation of powers, bicameral legislature, executive power vested in the king, individual rights, freedom of religion (although Catholicism was financially supported).
  • 1845: Moderate, shared sovereignty between the Crown and the Cortes, restrictions on individual rights, official state religion (Catholicism), National Militia eliminated.
  • 1856: Progressive, national sovereignty, individual rights, religious freedom (not enacted).
  • 1869: Progressive, national sovereignty, bicameral legislature, executive power vested in the Council of Ministers, extensive rights and freedoms (assembly, association, religious freedom), universal male suffrage (over 25 years), democratic monarchy.

Old Regime vs. Liberalism

Old Regime

  • Politics: Absolute monarchy, divine right of kings.
  • Society: Class-based, divided by birth and privilege.
  • Demographics: Low growth.
  • Economy: Primarily rural, mercantilism.