Spain’s Progressive Biennium (1854-1856) and the Moderate Decade
The Progressive Biennium (1854-1856)
Conflict and Revolution
The period begins with a conflict between the government and the Count of San Luis and the Senate, with the latter emerging victorious. The Revolution of 1854 unfolded in two phases:
- Moderate Phase: Pronouncements in Alcalá (June 16) for generals Dulce and O’Donnell. The Battle of Vicálvaro between rebels and government troops brought progressives into action. The Manifesto of Manzanares (July 7), drafted by Cánovas del Castillo, advocated for constitutional reform and progressive values such as electoral law reform, tax cuts, restoring the National Militia, and budget cuts.
- Revolutionary Demonstrations: Attempts to quell the revolutionary action by establishing a provisional government with Evaristo San Miguel failed. Queen Isabella II called upon Espartero, who formed a pact with O’Donnell, ushering in a progressive period.
Constitutional Restoration and Reforms
The Constitution of 1837 was restored, featuring a single chamber and a broader electoral census. The Constitution of 1856 summarized progressive thought: national sovereignty, expanded individual rights, freedom of thought, and popularly elected mayors.
Confiscation of Madoz (1855)
This policy affected properties of the clergy, public goods, charities, and the crown, generating substantial revenue from sales. Its purpose was to balance the budget and finance public works, particularly railways. Negative consequences included the reliance on cash, tensions with Rome due to violations of the Concordat, disputes over church property, and deprivation of property for citizens.
Financial Laws
New financial laws were passed, including legislation on ticketing through the Bank of Spain and the Credit Company Law, regulating financial institutions and promoting the development of corporations.
Social and Political Unrest
These reforms failed to satisfy workers or Carlists, leading to uprisings in 1855, along with rural and urban riots. O’Donnell’s rise to the presidency of the Council of Ministers marked a shift in power.
The Moderate Decade (1856-1868): The Liberal Union of O’Donnell
Political Landscape
This era involved three political groups: Moderates, the Liberal Union, and Progressives. The goal was to balance freedom with order. The Liberal Union, an eclectic party, blended moderate reformism with progressive ideals, aiming to give more prominence to political progressives. The most stable government during this period (1858-1863) was led by O’Donnell.
Economic Development and Foreign Policy
Public works, such as railways and communications, were developed, and market liberalization was promoted. Foreign policy focused on “wars of prestige” starting in the 1850s, including interventions in Indochina, reclaiming Santo Domingo, the Moroccan Campaign (which yielded few benefits and high costs), and involvement in Mexico (1861).
Challenges and Growing Unrest
Despite the conciliatory approach, significant political, economic, and social problems persisted:
- A Carlist uprising in Castellón was suppressed by the government.
- Peasants protested the Confiscation of Madoz, leading to riots quelled by the Civil Guard, notably in Utrera, Arahal, Loja, and other locations.
- Laborers demonstrated a willingness to use violence to address land issues.
Governments faced criticism and proved ineffective in addressing political problems (including Prim’s failed coup attempt and the San Gil barracks uprising), economic woes, and industrial and railway crises. These factors contributed to a growing sentiment favoring a coup for political change.
The Ostend Pact and the Prelude to Revolution
In August 1866, Progressives and Democrats formed the Ostend Pact, pledging to overthrow Isabella II. They were joined by the Unión Liberal, led by Serrano. The Bourbon monarchy’s prestige had declined significantly, paving the way for the Glorious Revolution of 1868 and the beginning of the Sexenio Democrático (1868-1874).