Reign of Elizabeth II: Reforms, Revolts, and Revolution
There were some reforms, including a second confiscation by Madoz (finance minister), this time of communal lands, which the people used to pick fruit and firewood. This led to peasant revolts. A new constitution was drafted but not implemented because in 1856, Queen Elizabeth dissolved the Parliament and called new elections. The military leader O’Donnell was elected as president, thus ending the Two Progressive period. During O’Donnell’s third period as president, leading the Liberal Union party, a series of reforms were implemented. The most important was the creation of a railway system, which decreased unemployment and employed many people. Expeditions to Mexico and Indochina were also undertaken with France. However, with the arrival of an economic crisis and social unrest, O’Donnell was discharged from power. Narváez returned to power, implementing a policy of hard repression and control. In 1866, liberals (led by Prim) and Democrats (formed by monarchists and republicans) signed the Pact of Ostend to oust Elizabeth II from the throne. Later, General Serrano replaced the deceased O’Donnell in command of the Liberal Union and decided to join the pact. In 1868, the Glorious Revolution began, a military uprising with great popular support, which led to the expulsion of Isabel II, who was exiled to Paris. With her departure began the Sexenio Democrático.
Elizabeth II: The Rise and Fall
Elizabeth II came to power in 1843 and was expelled in 1868. Her reign can be divided into three periods:
- The moderate government, with Narváez as president (1843-54).
- The Two Progressive period, with Espartero (1854-56).
- The Liberal Union, led by O’Donnell, a centralist made up of both progressives and moderates (1856-68).
The Moderate Government (1843-1854)
Narváez’s government focused on consolidating the structures and agencies of the liberal regime. It had the support of moderates, a minority social group with significant economic power and wealth, considered the country’s economic engine. Moreover, the most powerful positions were held by the military due to their popularity after victories against the Carlists (praetorianism). The Constitution of 1837 did not suit Narváez’s ideas, so a new, more moderate constitution was written. This new constitution (Constitution of 1845) imposed census suffrage, reduced some rights, and gave more power to the King. In addition, the Councils Act was reset (by which the central power elected mayors of the municipalities). A tax reform was implemented: the finance minister set direct taxes, indirect taxes, and consumption taxes. The Civil Guard was created to maintain order and control in rural areas. The civil code and penal code were organized. The system of weights and measures was standardized for all of Spain. A concordat was signed with the Church (making the State denominational), estranged following the confiscation of their land by the previous government. However, the majority of the population was dissatisfied with the government, and in 1854, a military uprising called “The Vicalvarada,” led by progressive military leaders Espartero (returned from exile) and Serrano, was successful.
The Two Progressive Period (1854-1856)
The Two Progressive period began in 1854 with Espartero as mayor.