Key Reforms in 19th Century Spain: Politics, Rights, and Economy

TXT 5: Political and Economic Regeneration

• 1. Regenerating Political Life

  The manifesto clearly states the need to eradicate political corruption, which was evident in the economic and financial policies of moderate governments encouraged by Elizabeth II.

• 2. Promoting Progressive Proposals

  The entire text defends the ideology and demands of the progressive sector.

• 3. Respect for the Crown and National Sovereignty

  Its claims do not challenge the Crown or the monarchy itself, as would happen 14 years later. Nor do they undermine the liberal system.

TXT 6: Broadening Rights and Suffrage

• 1. Broad Declaration of Rights and Liberties

  This statement includes rights not covered in previous constitutions, such as freedom of residence, inviolability of mail, right of assembly and association, trial by jury, and freedom of education.

• 2. Development of Universal Suffrage and Defense of National Sovereignty

  It provides for direct universal suffrage for men over 25 years and maintains the defense of national sovereignty.

• 3. Based on Principles of Separation of Powers and Decentralization

  Power resided in the Parliament, composed of two chambers—the House of Representatives and the Senate—both elected by universal suffrage.

• 4. Defense of the Constitutional Monarchy

  The executive power was exercised by ministers accountable to the Cortes, limiting the monarch to sanctioning and promulgating laws.

TXT 7: Economic Liberalism and Disentailment

• 1. Secularization: Reducing Public Debt

  A constant theme from disentailment decrees, from 1798 to 1855, was the aim to generate resources to remedy the problem of public debt or deficit.

• 2. Sale of Regular Clergy Properties

  Specifically, properties of extinct communities and religious corporations, both rustic and urban, were auctioned.

• 3. Liberalism as an Economic Engine

  The exposition to the Queen Regent highlighted the need to boost the production structure from a liberal perspective, given the inelastic nature of the economy during the absolutist period. The goal was to revive 'dead wealth' and unclog the channels of industry and commerce.

• 4. Enlisting Upper-Middle Class Support

  It is important to note that the presence of the lower classes in these auctions was a minority.