Regencies of Maria Cristina & Espartero (1833-1843): Spanish Politics in Turmoil

Maria Cristina’s Regency (1833-1840)

The Regency of Maria Cristina coincided with the First Carlist War. The Regent resisted implementing liberalism, embracing it only to defend her daughter’s rights. From 1833 to 1835, Christine victories stemmed more from Carlist disorganization than Christine military strength. Politically, the Queen’s call for harmony was largely ignored. Her initial manifesto, advocating for moderate reforms, was deemed insufficient by liberals demanding a constitution and courts. Maria Cristina, recognizing the army’s liberal leanings, conceded. Thus, the war became intertwined with liberal political evolution, strengthening the army’s role in deciding political power. In 1834, the moderate government of Cea Bermúdez was replaced by the moderate-constitutionalist Martinez de la Rosa. This new government, cautious in its liberalism, introduced a Royal Charter in April.

Espartero’s Regency (1841-1843)

In 1837, the Moderates won the elections due to progressive losses related to the siege of Madrid. Over the next three years, moderate governments slowed reforms, hindered individual rights laws, replaced progressive military leadership, and attempted to alter electoral laws. While Moderates won parliamentary elections, they lost municipal elections due to the 1836 Municipalities Act, which granted universal male suffrage. Political life was marked by clashes in chambers and streets, while General Espartero, leading the army, cornered the Carlists. The war’s end radicalized the conflict between Moderates and Progressives. The Moderate government, backed by Maria Cristina, aimed to amend the Municipalities Act to allow Crown-appointed mayors and restricted suffrage. This unconstitutional reform aimed to reduce Progressive influence. In response, Progressives protested in the summer of 1840 and requested Espartero’s intervention. Maria Cristina’s refusal to compromise led to the National Militia and Madrid City Council revolt on September 1st, spreading nationwide. Espartero presented a revolutionary government program, leading to Maria Cristina’s resignation and exile in October 1840.

Espartero’s regency began in May 1841, ultimately failing in 1843. The progressive party was divided between radical democratizers and those favoring middle-class dominance. Espartero’s economic policy, extending confiscations and pursuing free trade, alienated popular support and clashed with the textile industry. His personalism and militaristic tendencies also contributed to his downfall. His Anglophile foreign policy and reliance on a military clique further fueled opposition. In 1841, he suppressed a moderate coup attempt, executing generals and curtailing Basque privileges. In 1842, opposition arose from the left. Centralist policies and free trade fears led to the Barcelona uprising in November. Barcelona, a hub for the textile industry, feared ruin from British competition under free trade. Workers also opposed Espartero due to his suppression of labor associations and abolition of protected urban leases. The Popular Board, formed in 1841, opposed Espartero. Republican ideals gained traction among the lower classes, advocating for social reforms like reducing military spending, compulsory primary education, and land redistribution. The Barcelona Board’s demolition of the Citadel walls prompted Espartero to besiege and bombard the city. Revolts spread to Valencia and Seville. Parliamentary opposition reorganized, but Espartero dissolved the Cortes. Moderate generals, returning from exile, exploited the situation. General Narvaez marched on Madrid, while Colonel Prim led the anti-Espartero opposition in Catalonia. Espartero, attempting to quell the Andalusian uprising, fled into exile, leaving the Moderates to seize power once again.