Reign of Isabel II: Politics, Economy, and the Carlist Wars
The Reign of Isabel II (1833-1868)
Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1833 upon the death of Fernando VII. As she was only three years old, her succession was contested by supporters of absolutism who backed Don Carlos, the late king’s brother. This led to the First Carlist War (1834-1839). The queen regent, Maria Cristina, to defend her daughter’s rights, had no choice but to rely on the liberals. The Civil War was a struggle between liberals and absolutists, with the liberals ultimately prevailing. There was a second Carlist War (1847-1860).
Political System Under Isabel II
Isabel II’s reign saw the establishment of a liberal regime, but tensions arose between liberals, who were divided into two parties: the Moderates and the Progressives. The Moderates favored reserving more power for the queen, while the Progressives advocated for granting more power to parliament. In 1837, a new constitution was approved.
During Isabel II’s time, political differences were often resolved through military coups (pronouncements) that placed either Espartero (Progressive) or Narvaez (Moderate) in the general presidency of the government. The Queen’s personal favoritism also led to changes in the ruling party and alterations to the constitution. In 1845, another new constitution tailored to the Moderates was passed. This constitution of 1845 lasted until the revolution of 1868, which dethroned Isabel II, who then sought refuge in France.
Economic System
Spain’s economic system under Isabel II was characterized by economic and social backwardness compared to European countries that had already begun the industrial revolution decades prior.
Agriculture and Aristocracy
The economy was primarily based on agriculture. Nobles and burghers who influenced the queen were landlords who invested their trade gains in the purchase of land or titles of nobility.
An aristocratic mentality persisted, rather than the capitalist mindset characteristic of the modern bourgeoisie.
Progressive Measures
There was some progress during short periods of progressive government:
- The confiscation of Church property by Mendizabal in 1836. The expropriated church property was auctioned to raise money needed to pay its debts.
- The Railways Act of 1855 gave impetus to the construction of a radial rail network centered in Madrid.
Constitution of 1837
The Constitution of 1837 was written by liberals and was very similar to that of 1812. It recognized national sovereignty and the declaration of rights with two important differences: suffrage was not universal but based on census (only the rich voted), and the parliament was bicameral (divided into two houses: Congress and Senate).
The Revolutionary Six Years (1868-1874)
The revolution of 1868 was initiated by a military coup headed by generals such as Prim (Progressive). Isabel II was dethroned, and a provisional government was formed. A Constituent Cortes approved a constitution in 1869. New political parties emerged in the political landscape: Democrats and Republicans.
The First Republic lasted eleven months and had 4 presidents, displaying political instability. The biggest problem was cantonalism, a federalist movement that advocated self-government. Provincial cities like Murcia, Seville, and Cadiz were declared independent cantons. Carlism was reactive, and there was a colonial war in Cuba in 1868. A new coup in January 1874 prevented the new republican constitution and paved the way for the return of the Bourbons. A few months later, Alfonso XII arrived in Spain.
Constitution of 1869
According to the Constitution of 1869, power came from the people and not the king. It established universal male suffrage and a bicameral parliament.