Regency of Maria Cristina & The Spanish Constitution of 1837
The Regency and the Constitution of 1837
In 1830, Princess Isabella was born. King Ferdinand VII decided to abolish the Salic Law by signing the Pragmatic Sanction, allowing his daughter to reign. Upon his death in 1833, his brother, Carlos, did not accept Ferdinand’s will and declared war on his niece, Isabella. Since Isabella was underage, the Regent Maria Cristina of Naples allied with the Liberals to defend her daughter’s throne.
Administrative Reforms During the Regency
Regent Maria Cristina initially favored limited changes, focusing on administrative reforms. Javier de Burgos, in 1833, divided the state into 49 provinces for more efficient governance and allowed the return of exiled Liberals. However, by 1834, these reforms were deemed insufficient, and demands for political reforms arose.
Maria Cristina appointed Martinez de la Rosa as Prime Minister, who enacted a Royal Statute (a charter granted by the Crown). This Statute promised governance with a bicameral court system:
- The Estate of Peers (Grandees of Spain appointed by the Crown)
- The Estate of Deputies (elected by census suffrage)
These courts could make requests to the monarch and approve budgets. The King retained the power to summon and dissolve Parliament, possessed full legislative authority, and presided over the Council of Ministers.
Emergence of Political Parties and Unrest
During this period, the Moderate and Progressive parties emerged. Progressive Liberals grew dissatisfied. The ongoing war and economic hardship triggered a popular uprising. The mayor appointed Mendizabal as Prime Minister, who implemented economic reforms, most notably the confiscation of Church property to finance the war. However, the ruling powers prevented him from enacting further reforms.
In 1836, the Mutiny of the Sergeants of La Granja occurred, demanding the enforcement of the Constitution of 1812. Ultimately, it was decided to draft a new constitution.
The Constitution of 1837
This concise constitution consolidated the liberal system in Spain and marked the end of the Ancien Régime. It reflected the principle of national sovereignty and outlined citizens’ rights. It was, however, more moderate than Progressives had hoped for, due to Carlos’s Royal Expedition to Madrid, leading Liberals to negotiate a compromise.
Key Features of the 1837 Constitution
- Representation: A bicameral Parliament consisting of the Congress and Senate. The King chose Senators from a list presented by voters in each province. These courts held legislative power.
- Suffrage: Census suffrage (limited voting rights based on property ownership).
- Executive Power: Resided with the King and Ministers, who were accountable to the Cortes.
- Judiciary: The state, through its judges, held a monopoly on law enforcement.
- Royal Involvement: The King participated in law drafting, and convened and dissolved Parliament.
- State Subdivisions: Centralized. City council and county council officials were elected by residents.
- Armed Forces: The National Militia remained active in the provinces.
- Church-State Relations: Established freedom of religion while the state committed to maintaining the Catholic Church.
- Education: Stipulated that education would be widespread and free.
Progressive Elements and the End of the Regency
The 1837 Constitution was more progressive than the 1812 version. Its most progressive aspects included the National Militia, the election of municipal and county council officials by residents, and religious freedom.
The war concluded after 1839. The ruler attempted to curtail constitutional reforms, particularly aiming to reduce the power of municipal governments and the National Militia. General Espartero, a Progressive, opposed these efforts. Maria Cristina’s signing of the Councils Act, placing control in the hands of the Interior Minister, sparked civil and military uprisings that ended her regency and forced her into exile in 1840.
Espartero’s Regency and Downfall
Espartero ruled as regent until 1843. He gradually lost support, focusing on the economic situation and enacting free-trade laws that antagonized protectionist businessmen. He also lost the backing of Progressives. From the outset, he faced conspiracies from within the military.
In July 1843, General Narvaez’s coup defeated Espartero at Torrejón de Ardoz, leading to Espartero’s exile.