The Carlist Wars: A History of 19th-Century Spanish Conflict

1. The First Carlist War

The First Carlist War began in 1833, initiating a long civil conflict between the Carlists and the Elizabethans (Liberals), which lasted until 1840. Throughout the century, further Carlist uprisings occurred between 1846–1849 and 1872–1876, known as the Second and Third Carlist Wars.

Military Developments in the North

During the First War, the Carlists gained significant strength in the north of the peninsula. The Carlist General Ramón Cabrera, accompanied by the pretender to the crown, moved from the Maestrazgo area (Aragon) toward the gates of Madrid. Colonel Tomás de Zumalacárregui successfully organized and led the Northern Army, consolidating Carlist power in the Basque Country. However, the death of this famous military leader ended the upward trend in the Vasconavarra region.

The Convention of Vergara

The Elizabethan army eventually secured victory. Elizabethan General Baldomero Fernández Espartero and Carlist General Rafael Maroto held talks to end the war, culminating in the Convention of Vergara. This agreement ensured the preservation of certain rights, recognized local councils, and maintained the ranks of the Carlist army. However, the pretender Don Carlos refused to accept it and went into exile in France. Neither Cabrera nor the Catalan Carlist generals accepted the terms, forcing them to flee to France, which marked the end of the First Carlist War.

The Second Carlist War

This conflict took place primarily in Catalonia. Supporters rallied behind the pretender's son, as the brother of Ferdinand VII had abdicated in favor of his son, Charles Louis de Bourbon and Braganza (Charles VI), who had attempted to marry his cousin, Elizabeth II. The Carlist party, led by Ramón Cabrera, reached Barcelona, where they were defeated by Elizabethan troops. Until 1860, small Carlist pockets remained in the rural and mountainous areas of Navarre, the Basque Country, and Catalonia.

The Third Carlist War

The first major policy action of the new king was to lead the war against the Carlists. The Third Carlist War took place mainly in Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Navarre. During the conflict, Don Carlos established a stable government in Estella and achieved victories such as at Montejurra, but failed in attempts to occupy large cities like Bilbao and Pamplona.

Resolution and Political Consequences

As Alfonso XII arrived in the conflict zone, he offered a broad amnesty, proposing to move past the conflict and adhere to a constitutional monarchy. One of the former Carlist leaders, General Ramón Cabrera, accepted the amnesty and issued a manifesto to the Carlists. Cánovas's troops seized the end of the war to repeal key aspects of the Basque-Navarrese charters:

• Increased state intervention in the administration of the Basque Country and Navarre.
• Establishment of compulsory military service.
• Mandatory contribution to state finances.

In Catalonia, the war evolved into autonomist positions supported by the newspaper El Correo Catalán. The primary factors contributing to this development were the opposition to centralist measures and the defense of regional charters.