Isabel II Era: Liberal Constitution and Political Conflicts 1833–1868

Item 3: Liberal State Constitution (1833–1843)

Stage 1: Minority of Isabel II (1833–1843)

Item 3 of the liberal state's constitution (1833–1843):

He had two regents: his mother María Cristina (1833–1840) and Espartero (1840–1843). During the government of María Cristina, Spain was characterized by a liberal orientation. It chose Mayor de la Rosa (with a moderate ideology). This same government approved a royal statute and a reform of the administrative division of Spain.

The Liberals were divided between Moderates and Progressives:

• Moderates: wanted a constitutional monarchy with a Catholic confessional state and more power for the crown. They defended shared sovereignty between king and Cortes and supported limited census suffrage.
• Progressives: wanted a constitutional monarchy and defended national sovereignty, less limited census suffrage, civil rights and freedoms, and religious tolerance.

There was a liberal and progressive upswing. María Cristina gave the government to Juan Narváez and Mendizábal (liberal progressives). The Constitution of 1837 was adopted; it was more moderate than that of 1812. Reforms included a veto law, census suffrage, and a division into two chambers.

They restored the confiscations. As regent, Espartero signed measures associated with the Liberal Party. Opposition came from progresistas and moderates, and there was the resignation related to the army and Espartero.

Stage 2: Majority of Isabel II (1843–1868)

2nd Stage: Majority of Isabel II (1843–1868): Moderate Decade (1844–1854)

When she came of age, Isabel II chose General Narváez as head of government. A Constitution of 1845 (moderate) was created. Sovereignty was shared and limited, with census suffrage and strong Catholic influence. The state restored and signed agreements with the Holy See: Catholic religion was official, and for the confiscation the state contributed to the clergy with their budget.

During this period the civil guard was created and a process of state centralization advanced. The first railway line from Barcelona to Mataró was built. A first tributary amendment was adopted. Opposition grew among liberals, who began a liberal movement to confront the general leadership of O'Donnell and issued a manifesto in the town square.

Two Progressive Years (1854–1856)

Two Progressive (1854–1856): Head of government: Espartero. A Constitution of 1856 was drafted but remained non nata. There was a debate over the confiscation of Madoz (which affected land and property of municipalities). Free traders advanced their criteria. The first railroad corporations and banks emerged, creating a railway network.

O'Donnell created the Union, a new party that united Liberals and moderate progresistas. Two internal currents emerged: moderate leftists and rightist progressives aligned with O'Donnell. Espartero was deposed by a coup.

Moderate Decade (1856–1868)

Moderate Decade (1856–1868): The Union under O'Donnell governed, proceeding with the Constitution of 1845 and adopting amendments favored by early progresistas. The confiscation of ecclesiastical property was suspended. This stage also saw governments dismissing O'Donnell and Narváez at different moments. The period ended with the Glorious Revolution of 1868, and Isabel II went into exile.