The Rise of Liberalism in Spain (1833-1843)
1. The First Carlist War (1833-1840)
Isabelline (supporters of Isabel II) clashed with Carlists (supporters of Carlos). Liberals backed Isabel, while the Carlists represented a traditionalist, anti-liberal coalition of nobles, rural clergy, and peasants. The Carlists opposed the expulsion from the land, defended the autonomy of Catalonia and the Basque Country, and advocated for the traditional economic system. Their motto was “God, Homeland, and Charters.” Maria Cristina, Isabel’s mother, allied with the Liberals to secure her daughter’s throne. The nobility sought to maintain their properties, while the liberal bourgeoisie desired reforms. The war lasted seven years and was followed by two more Carlist Wars.
The uprising began in Catalonia and expanded to Navarre and the Basque Country. The Carlist general, Zumalacarregui, achieved success in the Basque region, while Ramon Cabrera led Carlist forces in Catalonia. Elsewhere, Carlists primarily controlled rural areas, employing guerrilla tactics. Following Zumalacarregui’s death in 1835, liberal forces under General Espartero gained ground. In 1837, Carlos’s expedition to Madrid failed. The Convention of Vergara in 1839 ended the war in the Basque Country, granting immunity to Carlist soldiers. The war in Catalonia concluded in 1840.
2. The Liberal Revolution and Progressive Era (1833-1843)
The period from 1833 to 1843 witnessed the dismantling of the Old Regime following the Carlist War and the liberal revolution.
2.1 Reform from Above: The Royal Statute of 1834
Maria Cristina initially favored limited reforms but eventually embraced more substantial changes, appointing the moderate De la Rosa as prime minister. The Royal Statute of 1834, a document issued by the monarch, organized the country but did not recognize national sovereignty or separation of powers. It granted significant power to the monarch and established a bicameral parliament with limited suffrage. These reforms proved insufficient for progressive liberals, who demanded a truly liberal system.
2.2 Revolutions of 1835 and the Rise of Progressives
Urban riots and unrest in 1835, particularly among Carlist supporters, led to demands for a meeting of the Cortes, press freedom, a new electoral law, and the suppression of the clergy. In Catalonia, violent riots and the burning of monasteries resulted in the formation of a governing board. The governor appointed the progressive liberal Mendizabal to form a government and implement reforms, including the seizure of church lands. In 1836, pressure from the nobility and clergy forced Mendizabal’s dismissal, but progressive uprisings led to his reinstatement and the restoration of the Constitution of Cadiz.
2.3 Progressive Reforms (1835-1837)
Progressives dismantled institutions of the Old Regime and implemented a liberal, constitutional monarchy. Land reform was a key focus, with the dissolution of the manorial system and the abolition of ecclesiastical tithes. The desamortización, or seizure of church lands, aimed to generate state revenue and weaken the Church’s power. Economic liberalization measures were also introduced.
2.4 Political Action: The Constitution of 1837
A new constitution, more moderate than the Constitution of Cadiz, was adopted. It maintained national sovereignty, civil rights, and separation of powers, but granted more power to the crown. Guild privileges were abolished, and freedom of trade and industry was promoted. Mayors became elected officials.
2.5 Espartero’s Regency (1841-1843)
General Espartero’s authoritarian rule led to repression and unrest. His free trade policies negatively impacted the Catalan textile industry, provoking uprisings in Barcelona. In 1843, opposition to Espartero grew, leading to his resignation and exile.
2.6 The Crisis of Progressivism: Popular Radicalism
Rebellions continued in Catalonia, advocating for a state based on governing boards and the 1837 Constitution. This radical movement culminated in the Jamància insurrection of 1843. With the failure to appoint a regent, the Cortes declared Queen Isabel II of age at 13, ushering in a moderate government.