Convention of Vergara: Ending Spain's First Carlist War

The Convention of Vergara: A Pivotal Agreement

The legal agreement and transactions between General Rafael Maroto and General Baldomero Espartero, culminating in the Convention of Vergara, marked a significant turning point in Spain's First Carlist War, leading to a liberal outcome.

Key Figures in the Agreement

• General Baldomero Espartero: A prominent Liberal commander, Espartero had achieved significant victories, such as at the Battle of Luchana in 1836. He later became regent following the resignation of Maria Cristina. His regency, however, became increasingly dictatorial, leading to events like the bombing of Barcelona. He was eventually deposed and went into exile, largely influenced by British pressure.
• Lieutenant General Rafael Maroto: The Carlist commander who led the negotiations for his side, Maroto aligned with the terms proposed by the Liberals, seeking an end to the protracted conflict.

Purpose of the Convention

The primary purpose of the Convention of Vergara was to achieve a liberal agreement and transactions that would respect the existing fueros (charters) of the Basque provinces and Navarre. It also aimed to facilitate the integration of Carlist army officers into the national army, thereby bringing an end to the First Carlist War.

Summary of the Agreement

This liberal agreement and the resulting transactions ultimately brought an end to the First Carlist War. General Espartero and Lieutenant General Maroto formalized the agreement through this convention. The key terms included:

• General Espartero's commitment to uphold the fueros (charters) in the Basque provinces and Navarre.
• An offer to Carlist generals, chiefs, and officers to integrate into the national army, retaining their recognized ranks.
• Alternatively, Carlist officers could choose to retire to their homes with honors and decorations.

Development of the First Carlist War

The First Carlist War began in autumn 1833, pitting the Carlist side against the Isabelline side. The Carlist defeat marked the final period of the war, which officially concluded in 1840, though the main conflict period leading to Vergara was 1837-1839.

Internal Divisions within Carlism

The conflict, particularly between 1837 and 1839, was marked by significant ideological divisions within Carlism itself. The Carlist faction was unable to secure the throne for its candidate, Don Carlos. This internal strife led to a split into two main groups:

• Those who favored transactions and negotiations with the Liberals.
• Don Carlos's intransigent supporters, who were radicalized by their peasant base and favored continuing the war.

The Path to Vergara

Ultimately, General Maroto, leading the transactional faction, and facing widespread exhaustion within the Carlist army, agreed with the Isabelline commander Espartero to sign the Convention of Vergara in 1839. The Carlist military forces largely surrendered, although the agreement allowed them to retain their army under the banner of Isabella II. The negotiation agreement explicitly established the maintenance of the fueros in the Basque provinces and Navarre, a commitment to which the Liberals agreed.

Aftermath of the Convention

At a critical juncture, General Espartero and General Maroto sealed their agreement at Vergara. Following the convention, only the forces led by Ramón Cabrera continued to resist in the eastern regions of Spain, prolonging a war that was ultimately lost by the Carlists.