Isabel II’s Reign: Liberal Union, Crisis, and Revolution (1856-1868)
Hegemony of the Liberal Union (1856-1863)
The final stage of Isabel II’s reign saw the return of moderatism, led by the centrist Liberal Union. This period, marked by relative stability, lasted until 1863.
The new government, headed by O’Donnell, dismantled the political and legislative efforts of the previous two years. It dissolved the National Militia, closed the courts before they could approve the new constitution, and restored a slightly modified version of the 1845 moderate constitution. However, some progressive laws, such as those regarding printing and the confiscation of city councils, remained. This led to O’Donnell’s dismissal by the Queen, who then appointed a more conservative government led by Narváez.
The new conservative government aimed for a return to more authoritarian policies. Narváez repealed the amendment to the 1845 Constitution, suspended the confiscation, and restored moderate legislation on freedom of the press and local government.
Key legislative work from this period includes the Law on Public Education, prepared by Minister Claudio Moyano, which established the three-stage education system still known today.
This period also saw the completion of major public works and the development of communications, particularly the railway.
A subsistence crisis intensified social conflicts, to which the government responded with repression.
Narváez resigned, and the Queen called O’Donnell back to form a government.
O’Donnell’s long-chaired government brought a period of stability. His government partially reversed the work of the progressive biennium. Disentailment legislation was restored, but the 1845 Constitution remained untouched, and additional minutes were recovered.
Foreign policy was driven more by a desire for prestige than profit, with the most significant event being the war in Africa. Other interventions occurred in Mexico, Cochin, Peru, and the return of Santo Domingo.
Important laws were passed to shape the new administrative system, and state spending increased.
Moderating Crisis (1863-1868)
The long government crisis began in March 1863 and was resolved with the appointment of a moderate. This was followed by a series of unstable and ineffective governments. Elizabeth II then turned back to Narváez.
The severe economic crisis that began in 1866 accelerated the decomposition of the Elizabethan regime.
Problems included:
- The Queen’s increasing discredit, particularly due to her private conduct.
- The incident at the University of Madrid, where a student protest was suppressed, resulting in several deaths known as the Night of San Daniel. This forced the Queen to dismiss Narváez and call O’Donnell again.
- A new military standard in the San Gil de Madrid barracks in 1866, which was harshly suppressed.
The Pact of Ostend, signed in Belgium between the Democratic and Progressive parties, aimed to remove Elizabeth II from the throne. A few months later, the Liberal Union joined the pact.
With O’Donnell’s departure, the end of Isabel II’s reign was imminent.
The economic crisis of 1866 affected all sectors of production and finance, including the textile and steel industries, low railway profitability, and a banking and stock crisis related to railway construction.
The subsistence crisis hit the most needy, causing popular riots against high wheat and cereal prices. Prim joined the conspiracy with other progressive military leaders (Serrano, Sweet).
In September 1868, the statement was prepared. Admiral Juan Bautista Topete revolted in Cadiz with his squadron and released a manifesto ending with the cry Viva España con honra!, which became a symbol of the September 1868 revolution, also known as The Glorious.
Following these events, the Queen was forced into exile, ending the reign of Isabel II.