Political Organization in 19th Century Spain
Following the death of Ferdinand VII, the period between 1834 and 1868 witnessed a significant transformation of the political and economic structures of Spanish society. The years 1833-1843 saw the establishment of the roots of Spanish parliamentarianism. A constitutional system was implemented, and the legal and economic foundations of the Ancien Régime were dismantled. Liberalism experienced internal divisions, leading to the emergence of political parties. From 1843 to 1868, moderate liberals held a monopoly on power, marginalizing progressives during the reign of Isabel II. The regime entered a crisis in 1866 and was overthrown in 1868, giving rise to the Sexenio Democrático.
Constitutionalism
The liberal monarchy began its journey with limited inclination towards freedom, closely resembling absolutist rule. The first Constitution, the Royal Charter of 1834, was the work of Martínez de la Rosa. It limited royal authority but fell short of the demands of progressives. A revolt in 1836 compelled the Queen to proclaim the Constitution of 1812, but she later enacted a new Constitution in 1837. While progressive in nature, it was not as radical as the Constitution of 1812.
With the rise of a new government of moderates, the Constitution of 1845 was drafted, introducing census suffrage and initiating the first instances of electoral caciquismo (political bossism). The fall of the moderates in 1854 necessitated a new constitution. While recovering the spirit of 1837, a new constitution was drafted in 1856 but was never enacted due to a change in government. The reality of 1845 was reinstated until Isabel II was overthrown. Despite these changes, the legislation remained largely consistent, except for the suffrage laws. While advocating for census suffrage, the constitutions recognized similar rights for citizens, maintained the same relations between the three branches of government, and upheld the bicameral tradition in Spain.
Political Parties
Spanish liberalism was divided in the early years of Isabel II’s reign (during the regency of Maria Cristina) into two main factions: moderates and radicals (or progressives). The differences between the two parties were as follows:
- Sovereignty: Moderates favored shared sovereignty between the people and the king, while progressives advocated for national sovereignty.
- Constitutions: Moderates supported the Statute of Martínez de la Rosa and the Constitution of 1845 (Narváez), while progressives favored the Constitution of 1837.
- Electoral Politics: Moderates favored high contribution requirements, resulting in a smaller electorate, while progressives advocated for lower contribution requirements to expand the electorate.
- Expropriations: Moderates considered it a taboo subject, while progressives deemed them necessary. The expropriations were carried out by Mendizábal and Madoz.
- National Militia: This popular armed force, parallel to the Army, composed of working people who took up arms to defend their ideals, was feared by moderates and disbanded. In 1844, the Civil Guard was created by the Duke of Ahumada.
- Religion: Moderates were traditionally Catholic, while progressives were anticlerical.
- Economy: Moderates favored empowering agriculture, while progressives advocated for free trade and the dominance of industry.
- Society: Moderates were supported by the Hispanic nobility, clergy, and grassroots sectors, while progressives were supported by the small and medium bourgeoisie and professionals.