Regency, Carlist Wars & Reign of Elizabeth II in Spain
The Regency Period in Spain
The regency was marked by progressive measures, including provisions for the national militia and the establishment of the Municipality Act. However, Espartero’s decision to adopt a free trade policy, supported by foreign capital, led to an uprising of textile employers and workers in Barcelona, who felt their businesses and jobs were threatened. General Espartero ordered the city to be bombed to quell the riots, causing the Progressives to withdraw their support. The opposition, led by General Narvaez, seized the opportunity, leading to Espartero’s exile and a new regency. Elizabeth II was declared of age at 13, despite the Constitution setting the age of majority for monarchs at 16.
The Carlist Wars
Following the death of Ferdinand, the first civil war in Spain erupted between supporters of absolutism (Carlists) and liberalism. The Carlist War (1833-1839) saw the Carlists control vast rural areas of the Basque Country, Aragon, Catalonia, and Valencia. They defended their rights against liberal centralism and sought to protect small and medium-sized properties and family farming, which were hurt by liberal tax laws.
In Andalusia, Carlism had less impact, but there were many followers in Cordoba, Jaen, and Granada, where guerrilla bands raided landowners’ properties. The Carlist general Gomez even besieged and took Cordoba, Jaen, and Granada. The death of the excellent Carlist strategist General Zumalacarregui, internal divisions, and military defeats led to the dissolution of the Carlist troops by General Maroto before Espartero went into exile. However, Carlism resurfaced between 1846-1849 and again later.
Reign of Elizabeth II: The Foundation of Liberal Spain (1843-1868)
Elizabeth II became queen at 13. Her 25-year reign was characterized by social and political instability, with 50 governments holding office, and court scandals.
Political Parties of Elizabethan Spain
During Elizabeth II’s reign, liberalism had two main perspectives: moderate and progressive.
Moderates
- Composed of the nobility and leading landowners.
- Led by figures like Narvaez.
- Rejected national sovereignty.
- Supported bicameral Cortes.
- Favored centralism.
- Supported a national militia.
- Advocated for restrictions on individual and collective rights.
- Favored protectionist trade policies.
Progressives
- Supported by the petty bourgeoisie, merchants, artisans, and soldiers.
- Defended national sovereignty.
- Supported individual and collective rights.
- Advocated for a national militia.
- Favored census suffrage.
Democrats
- Emerged in 1849 as a split from progressivism.
- Advocated for universal suffrage.
- Supported full development and absolute freedom of the press and the right to strike.
- Favored state intervention in public education.
Liberal Union
- Formed in 1854 (during the progressive biennium).
- Attracted both moderates and progressives.
- Led by General O’Donnell.