The 1845 Spanish Constitution: A Moderate Monarchy & Liberal State
The 1845 Spanish Constitution: A Moderate Monarchy
The Constitution of 1845 established a moderate monarchy in Spain, where sovereignty was shared between the King and the courts. The King retained significant political and administrative powers, while the Senate became an appointed body. Suffrage was limited, based on economic status. While the constitution recognized the separation of powers, the King exerted considerable influence over the legislature and judiciary. Notably, it did not explicitly guarantee individual rights or freedoms. This constitution remained in effect until 1868.
Political Parties During the Reign of Isabel II
Political parties played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape during the reign of Isabel II. These parties served as platforms for political participation, advocacy, and the organization of individuals with shared ideologies.
The Moderate Liberal Party
The Moderate Liberal Party dominated the government during Isabel II’s reign. Representing the interests of the wealthy oligarchy, they held significant power despite their relatively small numbers. Their political ideals were enshrined in the 1845 Constitution.
The Progressive Liberal Party
The Progressive Liberal Party championed the interests of the urban middle class, including professionals such as lawyers, doctors, professors, merchants, and mid-sized landowners. Although they enjoyed broader popular support than the Moderates, their access to power was often limited, achieved primarily through military coups. They advocated for increased political participation by lowering property requirements for voting, although they did not support universal suffrage. Their vision for Spain included national sovereignty, the protection of individual rights and freedoms, and greater checks on the King’s authority.
The Carlist Party
The Carlist Party emerged as a right-wing force during Isabel II’s reign. They adhered to a traditionalist and absolutist ideology, emphasizing the importance of God, country, and established customs. Their primary base of support was among the peasantry in northern Spain.
Democrats and Republicans
From 1848 onwards, democratic and republican movements emerged on the left of the political spectrum. These groups, though in the minority, advocated for universal suffrage, a federal republic, and significant social reforms. Their ranks included intellectuals, radical liberals, and a growing number of working-class individuals.
Political Apathy
Despite the activity of these political parties, a significant portion of the population remained politically apathetic, detached from the political process and viewing it as irrelevant to their lives.
Building a Liberal State
With the triumph of liberalism over absolutism during Isabel II’s reign, the task of reorganizing Spain according to liberal principles became paramount. The existing structure, deemed incompatible with liberal ideals, was replaced with a centralized and uniform system inspired by the Napoleonic model in France.
Centralization and its Challenges
This process of centralization faced resistance from regions with strong historical traditions of autonomy, such as the Basque Country, Navarre, and Catalonia. These regions had long enjoyed their own laws and governance structures.
The Carlist Wars and Provincial Resistance
The Carlist Wars, fueled by opposition to liberalism and its centralizing tendencies, highlighted the tension between provincial autonomy and the central government’s desire for uniformity. Liberalism favored centralization to facilitate the growth of capitalism, which required the removal of internal barriers and the establishment of a unified market. Consequently, internal customs were abolished, and efforts were made to eliminate regional privileges in the pursuit of equal opportunity.
Administrative Organization
The liberal state adopted a centralized administrative structure centered around provinces, with the current provincial divisions established by Javier de Burgos in 1833. Each province was headed by a civil governor, appointed by the Minister of Interior, responsible for enforcing national laws and directives within their jurisdiction. Provincial capitals were designated, and provincial councils were created to manage local affairs and provide assistance to municipalities.
Municipal Governance
Under the Moderates, municipal councils in towns with populations exceeding 2,500 were appointed by the government. The Progressives, on the other hand, favored elected councils. This difference in approach reflected the contrasting views on popular participation in local governance.
Legal Reforms
The legal system underwent significant reforms, with the introduction of a civil code inspired by the Napoleonic Code and the development of a penal code. These codes aimed to standardize legal practices across the country.
Law Enforcement and Centralized Control
The traditional militia was replaced by the Guardia Civil, a rural police force tasked with maintaining order and ensuring the government’s authority throughout the country. This move further solidified the central government’s control over law enforcement.
Technological Advancements and Centralization
The expansion of the telegraph network, connecting the entire country with Madrid, facilitated communication and further strengthened the process of centralization.
Economic and Financial Reforms
A series of economic reforms were implemented, including the introduction of new taxes, such as property and consumption taxes, applicable to all Spaniards. The metric system was adopted, and the Bank of Spain was established, along with a single national currency, the peseta.
Education Reform
Under the leadership of Claudio Moyano, primary education was made compulsory and free, with Castilian established as the language of instruction. Municipalities were responsible for funding schools, but limited resources often hindered the provision of education. Secondary education remained non-compulsory, while higher education was offered in select institutions, including universities and teacher training colleges.
The Role of Religion in Education
The education system incorporated both state-run schools and religious institutions, reflecting the influence of the Catholic Church in Spanish society.
Legacy of the 1845 Constitution
The state model established under the 1845 Constitution endured until the end of the Franco regime in 1978, when Spain transitioned to democracy and adopted a new constitutional framework.