Spain’s Political Landscape: 1845 Constitution to 1868
The 1845 Constitution and Moderate Rule in Spain
In 1845, the Spanish government approved a new constitution, reflecting a shift towards conservatism. Key features included:
- Joint sovereignty between the King and the Courts.
- Reduced powers for the legislature.
- Restricted voting rights.
- Municipalities placed under central administration.
- Abolition of the National Militia.
- Exclusive recognition of the Catholic religion.
The new constitution largely retained the declaration of rights from the 1837 constitution. In 1851, a concordat was signed with the Holy See, suspending the sale of ecclesiastical property. The Holy See recognized Elizabeth II, while the state committed to supporting the Spanish Church.
The government also undertook significant reforms:
- Tax Reform: Taxes were centralized, and direct taxation was introduced.
- Legal Codes: The Penal Code and Civil Code were passed.
- Public Administration Reform: State offices were reorganized, and a local administration law appointed mayors.
- National Public Instruction System: The Moyano Law of 1857 established a system governing different education levels.
- Metric System: The decimal metric system was adopted.
- Civil Guard: The former national military was disbanded, and the Civil Guard was created.
During the period of Moderate rule, a proposal for a technocratic constitutional reform by Bravo Murillo failed, leading to the 1854 revolution and the return of the Progressives to power.
The Progressive Biennium and its Challenges
The pronouncement of Vicálvaro in 1854, led by General O’Donnell (who founded the Liberal Union), brought the Progressives back to power. The new government aimed to restore progressive principles and drafted a new constitution in 1856, which was never promulgated.
Key events and policies during this period included:
- Madoz’s Disentailment Law: This law targeted communal and Church properties to generate revenue for the treasury.
- Railroad Development: Revenue was invested in the railroad network, and the 1855 General Railroad Act benefited foreign capital in the Spanish market.
- Social Unrest: 1854 saw significant social unrest, including labor strikes and a major peasant uprising in Castile.
- Labor Law: The government introduced a labor law, but a severe crisis followed.
Growing social unrest led to Espartero’s resignation, and Queen Elizabeth II entrusted the government to O’Donnell, who had helped overthrow the previous government two years earlier.
The Decline of the Elizabethan System
The subsequent governments of the Liberal Union were marked by political stability and economic growth. A significant aspect was foreign policy, including:
- Expedition to Indochina.
- Intervention in Mexico.
- Military campaigns in Morocco (where General Prim gained prominence).
The return of Narváez and the Moderates brought a more authoritarian form of government and increased persecution of the opposition. A revolt of the sergeants of the San Gil barracks occurred, and the situation deteriorated further, starting with the crisis of 1866. Increased duress and popular discontent ultimately led to the end of Elizabeth II’s reign in 1868.