19th Century Spanish Politics: From Absolutism to Democracy

19th Century Spanish Politics

The Reign of Fernando VII (1814-1833)

Absolutist Phase (1814-1820)

Fernando VII dismissed the Cortes, abolished the 1812 Constitution, and re-established absolute monarchy.

Liberal Phase (1820-1823)

The Riego and Quiroga military coup forced the king to reinstate the 1812 Constitution and suppressed freedoms.

Ominous Decade (1823-1833)

Aided by the French army (the "100,000 Sons of Saint Louis"), Fernando VII defeated the liberals and reinstated absolutism.

The Reign of Isabel II (1833-1868)

A liberal constitutional monarchy was established with shared sovereignty, support from liberal political parties, constitutions, and military participation.

The Regency Period

Regencies of María Cristina Bourbon and General Espartero.

First Carlist War (1833-1839)

Absolutists (supported by the church and regions like Navarra, Vascongadas, Aragón, and Cataluña) fought against the liberals. The Convention of Vergara recognized Isabel as Queen of Spain.

In 1843, Isabel II reached the age of majority. Her reign was marked by alternating power between Moderates and Progressives, the Second Carlist War (1846-1849), the division of Spain into 49 provinces, the creation of the Civil Guard, and expropriations by Mendizábal and Madoz.

Crisis and End of Isabel II's Reign

Political manipulation, opposition from political parties, and a major economic crisis led to the end of Isabel II's reign.

The Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874)

The Glorious Revolution, a military rebellion, forced the queen into exile.

Provisional Government (1868-1870)

General Serrano (regent) and General Prim (head of government) convened the Constituent Cortes.

Constitution of 1869

This constitution was the most democratic of 19th-century Spain.

Constitutional Monarchy (1871-1873)

Under Amadeo of Savoy.

Third Carlist War (1872-1876)

The Third Carlist War began during this period.

First Republic (1873-1874)

Disagreements arose regarding the type of republic and the federal state model. Political instability led to a succession of presidents: Figueras, Pi y Margall, Salmerón, and Castelar. General Pavia dissolved the Cortes, leading to the return of the Bourbons.