Spanish Politics in the 19th Century
1. Primary Historical Source
This text is considered a primary historical source because it refers to the Spanish Constitution of 1812. The Constitution is a legal text that establishes a set of ideas, principles, and values upon which subsequent legislation is based. It is a fundamental text from a regulatory point of view, as it outlines the structure of the state and the legal norms that govern it.
2. The Constitution of 1837
The progressive government convened a court to write the Constitution of 1812. The document, adopted in June 1837, was brief and left room for further elaboration through organic laws. It proclaimed basic principles of progressivism, such as civil rights (freedom of speech, press, and association), separation of powers, and national sovereignty. It allowed freedom of religion but did not establish an official state religion. It also included some moderate elements, such as a bicameral legislature (Senate and Congress) with a non-elective Senate appointed by the King. The King also had broad powers, including the ability to dissolve Parliament, appoint or dismiss ministers, and veto legislation. The Constitution committed to continued funding of the Catholic religion, even though it was not the official state religion.
3. Moderates vs. Progressives
Moderates:
A heterogeneous group of conservative intellectuals, traders, clergy, and nobles. They defended the right to property, restricted suffrage based on wealth, and advocated for shared sovereignty between the King and the courts. They also wanted to limit freedom of the press, opinion, and assembly. Finally, they defended the confessional nature of the state and represented a more clerical form of liberalism. Key leaders included Narvaez and Murillo.
Progressives:
Predominantly comprised of the lower middle class, urban popular classes, traders, liberal professionals, and craftsmen who wanted reform. They defended national sovereignty, the predominance of the courts in the political system, and a limited role for the crown. They wanted to strengthen local authorities, grant individual rights, and expand suffrage. They also advocated for agrarian reform and defended property rights linked to the influence of the church. Key leaders included Mendizával, Prim, and Espartero. In 1854, a new party, the Liberal Union, was formed by moderates who wanted a centralized government. Its proponents were Serrano and O’Donnell.
4. Progressive Discontent and the Constitution of 1845
Progressives, dissatisfied with reforms, had their own militia and a popular movement. In 1836, they led urban riots across the country. Maria Cristina appointed Mendizabal, a progressive liberal, to form a government. He initiated reforms and took steps to counter Carlism. However, when he decreed the confiscation of church lands, Maria Cristina dismissed him. Amidst pressure, a new progressive government was formed in Cadiz, led by Calatrava. In 1837, they carried out agrarian reform through measures such as the dissolution of the nobility’s jurisdictional powers, the elimination of primogeniture, and the confiscation and auctioning of land. This led to resistance, as some farmers found themselves in a worse situation. The Constitution of 1845 was moderate and represented the ideas of moderatism: rejection of national sovereignty in favor of joint sovereignty between the King and the Cortes, increased executive power, decreased power of the Cortes, exclusivity of the Catholic religion, and limitations on voting rights. It resembled the Constitution of 1837.
4a. Political Instability and Espartero’s Regency
Progressive and moderate parties alternated in power during the reign of Isabella II. However, this political model was interrupted by the Carlist Wars. In 1840, a law limiting freedom of the press was passed, and the crown was given the power to appoint mayors. This faced opposition from progressives. Maria Cristina resigned and handed over power to a new progressive government led by Espartero, who dissolved the Cortes and called for new elections. During his regency, he acted authoritatively. In 1842, a tariff was approved that opened the Spanish market to English cotton textiles, threatening the Catalan industry and causing an uprising in Barcelona. Espartero ordered the bombardment of the city, leading to opposition from both progressives and moderates. Taking advantage of this division, moderates led by Narvaez and O’Donnell conspired against Espartero. In 1843, Espartero left the regency, and the courts proclaimed Isabella II as queen.
The Constitution of 1845 was moderate and represented the basic ideas of moderatism.