Regencies During the Reign of Elizabeth II of Spain
The Regencies During the Reign of Elizabeth II
Maria Cristina’s Regency (1833-1840)
During the reign of Elizabeth II, Spain experienced two regencies: Maria Cristina and General Espartero. Maria Cristina’s regency (1833-1840) began with Cea Bermúdez in power and a governing council composed mainly of moderate absolutists.
Key Actions:
- Administrative division of Spain into 49 provinces (Javier de Burgos).
- Attempts to reach agreements with the Carlists.
The need to collaborate with liberals to combat the Carlists led to the end of this government.
Francisco Martinez de la Rosa (1833-1835)
Francisco Martinez de la Rosa, a moderate liberal, became the next prime minister. He drafted the Royal Statute of 1834, a stepping stone from absolutism to liberalism.
Royal Statute of 1834:
- No mention of national sovereignty or fundamental rights.
- Return of the bicameral Cortes: Upper House (National Heroes) with high nobility, clergy, and wealthy bourgeoisie; Lower House with members chosen by indirect suffrage.
- Limited power for the Cortes.
This statute satisfied the monarchy and moderates, but progressive revolts began.
Juan Alvarez Mendizabal (1835-1836)
Juan Alvarez Mendizabal, a progressive liberal, implemented reforms:
- Confiscation of church lands.
- More participatory electoral law.
- Abolition of guilds.
- Expansion of the National Militia.
Opposition from conservative groups led to a power shift in 1836.
Francisco Javier Isturiz and the “Statement of the Sergeants”
Moderate liberal Francisco Javier Isturiz took power, but progressive riots and convent burnings continued. In 1836, the “Statement of the Sergeants in the Granja de San Ildefonso” forced Maria Cristina to:
- Cancel the Royal Statute.
- Approve the Constitution of 1812.
- Hand power to the progressives.
The Constitution of 1837
Progressives drafted the Constitution of 1837:
- Recognition of national sovereignty.
- Limitation of monarch’s powers through the division of powers.
- Bicameral legislature: Congress of Deputies (more powerful) and Senate (indirect suffrage).
- Bill of Rights (printing, association).
- Religious freedom with state support for the clergy.
- King retains legislative initiative, veto power, and Senate appointments.
- Wider electoral law (2.4% of the population could vote).
General Espartero’s Regency (1840-1843)
In 1840, the moderate government’s attempts to restrict the electoral law, limit press freedom, and favor the clergy led to General Espartero, leader of the progressives, becoming president of the government. He sought co-regency with Maria Cristina, who refused and was exiled. Espartero became the sole ruler (1840-1843).
Espartero’s Policies:
- Authoritarian rule relying on his military clique.
- Free trade in 1842, leading to the ruin of the Catalan industry and the bombing of Barcelona.
Espartero’s policies led to his downfall through an alliance of progressive and moderate dissidents led by General Narvaez. Espartero was exiled to London.
Elizabeth II’s Reign Begins
In 1843, the Cortes declared Elizabeth II of age at thirteen, ending the regencies.