Spain’s Transformation: 1808-1874
War and Revolution (1808-1814)
Spain experienced a population increase and a shift from an absolutist regime to a liberal regime and constitutional monarchy. The French War (1808-1814) began when King Charles IV of Spain declared war on France, lost, and then allied with them. The war ended with the Treaty of Valençay (1813). In 1807, the Treaty of Fontainebleau allowed for the conquest of Portugal by Spain and France, leading to French troops settling in Spain, causing disagreement. The Mutiny of Aranjuez in 1808 resulted in Ferdinand VII replacing his father as king. In 1809, Joseph Bonaparte became King of Spain. The Constitution of Cadiz, 1812, was drawn up by the Courts meeting in Cadiz (the only place not taken by the French). It was a Spanish constitution with liberal political principles, national sovereignty, separation of powers, and a declaration of rights.
Reign of Ferdinand VII (1814-1833)
This period saw a struggle between absolutism and constitutional monarchy. The Absolutist Restoration (1814-1820) saw King Ferdinand VII favoring the serviles, while liberals approved the constitution. The Liberal Triennium (1820-1823) began with the liberal triumph following the pronunciamiento of Riego in 1820. This led to the meeting of the Courts, the release of political prisoners, and the creation of a national militia to protect liberalism. However, the Holy Alliance intervened, restoring Ferdinand VII’s absolutist rule. The Ominous Decade (1823-1833) saw the king changing his aides to overcome crises and reversing the Salic Law (which prevented women from governing) to allow Isabel to reign. After Ferdinand’s death, his 3-year-old daughter Isabella became queen, with Maria Christina (Isabella’s mother) as the first regent. The First Carlist War (1833-1840) was caused by political and ideological differences between liberals (supporting Isabella) and Carlists (supporting Charles). It ended with the Convention of Vergara.
Isabella II (1843-1868)
This era was marked by constitutional monarchy and the marginalization of progressive power. The Triumph of Liberalism saw Maria Christina as the first regent, with moderate and progressive governments. Power was initially given to the moderates but was later taken by the progressives due to a revolt. Mendizábal (progressive) came to power in 1836, implemented *desamortización* (secularization of church property), and promulgated the Constitution of 1837, granting more power to the king. Maria Christina resigned, and Espartero became the second regent. In 1843, Isabella II was declared of age, leading to Espartero’s exile. The Moderate Decade (1844-1854) was a ten-year period of moderate rule. General Narváez supported the queen. The Constitution of 1845 limited voting rights to the wealthy and restricted freedom of expression, establishing a centralist organization. The Democratic Party was established, and the decade ended in 1854 with O’Donnell’s *pronunciamiento*. The Progressive Biennium (1854-1856) and the Liberal Union saw the return of the progressives after the Vicalvarada *pronunciamiento*. Espartero led the Liberal Union, implementing *desamortización* and the Railroad Act. From 1856 to 1866, the government alternated between the Liberal Union and the moderates.
Final Rule of Isabella II or Democratic Sexennium (1868-1874)
Crises of Isabella II’s Reign included riots, power struggles between moderates, progressives, and democrats, and disapproval of the monarchy, both publicly and privately. The Pact of Ostend (1866) called for the removal of the Bourbons and the establishment of political democracy. The Revolution of 1868 and the Monarchy of Amadeo began with General Serrano and Prim’s *pronunciamiento* in 1868, which ousted Isabella II. Amadeo I was chosen as ruler, but faced opposition, the Carlist War, and an insurrection in Cuba. He abdicated, leaving Spain without a king.