Elizabeth II Reign: Carlist Wars & Liberal Reforms

Elizabeth II: Carlist Wars and Liberal Reforms (1833-1854)

The First Carlist War (1833-1840)

The First Carlist War occurred during the regency of Maria Cristina, although tensions between liberals and Carlists emerged earlier. The war is divided into three stages:

• The first stage began with armed outbreaks in Talavera and Valencia and ended with the death of the Carlist chief, Zumalacárregui.
• The second stage emphasized the Royal Expedition led by Carlos María Isidro, which ultimately failed.
• The third stage saw the division of the Carlists and concluded with the signing of the Vergara Agreement by the moderate sector and the defeat of the most radical faction in Cabrera (1840).

Liberal Divisions and the 1837 Constitution

The liberals were also divided into two factions: moderates and progressives. During Maria Cristina's regency, the Royal Statute (1834), a granted charter designed by Martinez de la Rosa, was enacted. However, in 1837, with the progressives coming to power, it was repealed, and a new Constitution was drafted. This new constitution established more freedoms for the population, increased constitutional power (therefore limiting the monarchy), and implemented economic measures, most notably the confiscation of Church property through Mendizabal's seizure.

The Three-Year Moderate Period and Espartero's Regency (1840-1843)

In 1837, elections took place, and the moderates won. The three-year moderate period began, ending with the appointment of General Espartero as regent. This stage (1840-1843) is notable for its authoritarian trend, commitment to free trade, and new confiscations of Church property.

The Moderate Decade (1844-1854) and the 1845 Constitution

With Espartero's resignation and exile, Queen Elizabeth was declared of age at 13, beginning the so-called Moderate Decade (1844-1854). During this period, new parties emerged. Among the moderates, two new groups appeared: Puritans and authoritarians. The liberals were divided between progressives on the left and right. In 1845, a new constitution based on moderate doctrinaire liberalism was drafted. It established joint sovereignty (King-Cortes), religious unity, census-based suffrage, and the abolition of the National Militia. Other measures included suspending the sale of disentailed goods, introducing a new curriculum, and enacting a new law of finance and provincial administration.

The Second Carlist War (1846-1849)

In 1846, the Second Carlist War started in Madrid and lasted until 1849.