The Evolution of the Liberal State in Spain (833-874)
T11 Construction and Consolidation of the Liberal State (833-874): Reign of Elizabeth II, Construction and Evolution of the Liberal State. Fernand’s daughter, Maria Cristina, and the Salic law prevented women from ascending to the throne, as the heir was to be the king’s brother, Carlos María Isidro. Fernand changed the law before he died, allowing his daughter to be the heiress. Maria Cristina became regent in 1833. The most intransigent absolutists did not accept Fernand’s will and took up arms against the regent, seeking support from liberals.
Liberals in Power: The Two Regencies (833-843)
The Regency of Maria Cristina (833-840)
During this period, a decree by Javier de Burgos was promulgated, establishing 49 provinces. The preconstitutional real status letter (834) did not recognize national sovereignty, political freedoms, or the division of powers, placing legislative initiative in the hands of the monarch. This did not satisfy liberals and was rejected by Carlists. The civil war and economic situation led to urban uprisings in 1835.
Second Liberal Constitution (1837)
A group of noncommissioned officers forced Maria Cristina to sign the decree for Constitution 812 (Mutiny on the Farm). The new charter was more modern, introducing laws such as the suspension of the obligation to pay diezmos to the church, the disposal of internal customs, confiscations, and the dissolution of guilds. At the end of the Carlist War in 1839, Perez de Castro’s government attempted reforms to limit the participation of the urban middle class through the ayuntamientos law, appointing mayors directly by the government. This led to new uprisings, and Maria Cristina eventually gave up the regency.
Carlist War (1833-1840)
The Carlist War saw the liberal Isabelinos and the Carlists, who were supporters of Carlos against Regent Maria Cristina. The Carlists were strong in the north, with General Ramón Cabrera leading the charge, reaching Madrid. The consolidation of Carlist power in the Basque Country ended with the death of this trend. From 1835, the Elizabethan army’s victory forced Carlos María Isidro to flee to France in 1839. General Baldomero Fernández and Rafael Maroto ended the Carlist war talks with the Vergara agreement, which ensured the conservation of some provincial rights and recognized the jobs and ranks of the Carlist army.
Espartero Regency (1841-1843)
When Maria Cristina waived her ministry, a regency presided over by Espartero was formed, which became dictatorial. He faced rejection due to his policies, and the anti-Esparterista Catalan movement joined the Basques. Moderate liberal politicians displaced from power began their attacks on the government.
Decade of Moderation (1844-1854)
Ramon Maria Narvaez ended the Espartero regency with a military uprising. Elizabeth assumed the throne at 13 years old and formed a government of the moderate party, ruling for 10 years with an iron fist. The constitution was repealed, and another was written in 1845, granting more powers to the crown and government. Political reforms included the administrative law of the Treasury, civil code, penal code, and the law of joint-stock companies. The creation of an educational system, such as the Pidal curriculum in 1845, was attempted, along with a rapprochement with the church. In 1851, a collaboration agreement with the Vatican allowed the church to recover privileges and intervene in education. Governments favored the financial affairs of important people. In 1854, after years of corruption and authoritarianism of the moderate government, a liberal uprising occurred.
Second Carlist War (1846-1849): This war began with supporters of the son of Carlos María Isidro, who attempted to marry Elizabeth II. Ramón Cabrera and the Carlists reached Barcelona, but their troops were defeated by Manuel Gutiérrez.