19th-Century Spanish History: Carlist Wars and Liberalism

The Ominous Decade (1823–1833)

During the Ominous Decade, liberals like Riego were executed or sent into exile. These were very repressive years; Spain was bankrupt because of the war with France and the independence of the Americas. This situation led to a fiscal reform that tried to make the privileged classes pay taxes, but they refused because they were the main supporters of absolutism.

Succession Problems and the Salic Law

In 1830, Ferdinand VII had a daughter named Isabella. She could not reign because of the Salic Law (which dictated that only men could reign), so he issued the Pragmatic Law to repeal the Salic Law. Ferdinand VII had a brother named Charles (Carlos María Isidro), and the ultra-absolutists wanted Charles to reign instead of Isabella. In 1833, Ferdinand VII died and Maria Cristina became the regent until Isabella turned 18.

The Carlist Wars

First Carlist War (1833–1839)

The conflict started in the Basque Country under the leadership of Commander Zumalacárregui. The Carlists were eventually defeated by Espartero, and peace was signed at the Convention of Vergara. Despite the peace, Carlist uprisings continued in Catalonia.

Second Carlist War (1872–1876)

This war started when Isabella II left the throne. A parallel government was established in Estella (Navarre).

Analysis of the Factions

• Isabelinos:
  • Leaders: Isabella II and Maria Cristina (the regent).
  • Ideology: Liberal.
  • Supporters: Bourgeoisie, urban population, and most of the army.
  • Areas: Main cities.
• Carlists:
  • Leader: Charles.
  • Ideology: Absolutist.
  • Supporters: Rural nobility, clergy, and peasants.
  • Areas: Rural areas of the Basque Country, Aragon, Navarre, and Catalonia.

Regency of Maria Cristina (1833–1840)

Maria Cristina supported the moderate liberals. While liberals expected reforms, big changes did not arrive initially. Revolts like the Mutiny of La Granja forced the regent to hand power over to the progressive liberals.

Mendizábal, the leader, took several measures:

• Fiscal reform.
• Dissolution of manorialism.
• Confiscation of Church property (Desamortización).
• Abolition of La Mesta (Diezmo).

A New Constitution was established, featuring census suffrage, separation of powers, national sovereignty, individual liberties, and two chambers (Congress and Senate).

Regency of Espartero (1840–1843)

Espartero was a progressive but led an authoritarian government. In 1843, Isabella II was declared queen at 13 years old.

The Moderate Decade (1843–1854)

Led by Narváez, who was a moderate. The Constitution of 1845 was enacted, featuring restricted suffrage, limited liberties, and shared sovereignty. During this period:

• State and municipal administration was reorganized.
• A penal code and national education system were established.
• The Concordat (a treaty with the Church) was signed.
• The Guardia Civil was created in 1844.

The authoritarian tendencies of Narváez and Bravo, the influence of political cliques (camarillas), and electoral fraud eventually led to another progressive military revolt.