Spain’s 19th Century: Economy, Society, and Political Shifts
Economic Challenges
Economic development was hindered by:
- Wars against France and Britain.
- Decline in agricultural production due to the War of Independence and poor harvests.
- Crisis of traditional industries facing competition from emerging capitalist industries and foreign products.
- Loss of commercial monopoly after the independence of American colonies.
Social Changes
A new class society emerged:
In rural areas, shortages and rising prices negatively impacted tenants and laborers, while large landowners saw increased benefits.
In urban areas, capitalist industries led to a rise in industrial workers, at the expense of artisans.
Goya’s Artistic Revolution
Goya revolutionized art, influencing later movements like Impressionism. His technique evolved from detailed to loose brushwork, and his color palette shifted from bright colors to a predominance of black. His works include:
- Tapestry Cartoons
- Pictures
- Religious Paintings
- Historical Paintings
- Black Paintings
- Prints
Building a Liberal State
Construction of a Liberal State: The reign of Elizabeth II established a liberal monarchy with:
- A constitution.
- Two liberal parties: Moderates (limited suffrage, bicameralism, shared sovereignty) and Progressives (less restricted suffrage, unicameral national sovereignty).
The Regency Period (1833-1843)
The regency period (1833-1843): Due to Elizabeth II’s youth, regents governed. Queen Maria Cristina oversaw the transition from absolutism to liberalism, marked by:
- The Carlist War, ending with a Liberal victory and the Convention of Vergara (1839).
- The confiscation (1836-1837) led by Mendizabal, expropriating church lands to reduce public debt and redistribute land, benefiting the bourgeoisie.
Clashes between Moderates and Liberals led to a Progressive government and the 1837 constitution. Maria Cristina left in 1840, succeeded by Espartero, who ruled authoritatively until Isabel was proclaimed queen at 13.
Reign of Elizabeth II
The reign of Elizabeth II had three periods:
- Moderate Decade (1844-1854): Dominated by General Narvaez, with a new constitution in 1845 expanding the monarchy’s powers.
- Progressive Biennium (1854-1856): Led by Espartero, with a significant confiscation in 1855 under Minister Madoz.
- Alternation in Power (1856-1868): Moderates and the Liberal Union shared power, facing challenges like military involvement in politics, the rise of Democrats and Republicans, the Carlist War of 1846, and electoral manipulation.
The Six-Revolutionary Period
The Six-Revolutionary Period: After Elizabeth II’s departure, a provisional government (1868-1870) led by General Serrano approved the progressive 1869 constitution. Amadeo’s democratic monarchy (1871-1873) faced opposition and conflicts, leading to his abdication and the proclamation of the First Spanish Republic (1873-1874), which struggled with internal conflicts and ultimately led to the restoration of the Bourbon dynasty.
Restoration
Restoration: Alfonso XII’s reign brought political stability with a new constitution in 1876. Antonio Canovas del Castillo established a system based on:
- Hereditary constitutional monarchy.
- Bicameral courts.
- Conservative 1876 constitution with limited suffrage and rights.
- Bipartisanship between Conservatives and Liberals.
Challenges included opposition from Carlists and Republicans, regionalism, and the labor movement. After Alfonso XII’s death in 1885, Maria Cristina of Habsburg’s regency saw the loss of Spain’s last colonies in the Disaster of 98.