Liberal Revolution During the Reign of Isabella II of Spain

Liberal Revolution in the Reign of Isabella II

Introduction

The reign of Queen Isabella II can be divided into two periods. Her reign meant the consideration and creation of the liberal state, transitioning from the absolute monarchy to a parliamentary one. There were conflicts, such as the Carlist Wars.

Background

Before Queen Isabella II, there was absolutism. King Ferdinand VII, her father, had conflicts with his brother, Carlos, due to the succession laws.

Minority of Isabella II

Carlist Wars

The death of King Ferdinand VII without male descendants created political uncertainty. Castilian tradition, until Philip V of Bourbon, dictated the Salic law. The Cortes of 1789, called by Charles IV, attempted to abolish the Salic law, but it was not officially abolished until Ferdinand VII issued the Pragmatic Sanction. Don Carlos did not accept the new legal situation. Some supported a liberal conspiracy against the King, while others supported Don Carlos. Because Isabella was a minor, her mother, Maria Christina, became regent.

Opposing Sides

The civil war was not only a war of succession, but also a confrontation of ideologies.

• Followers of Carlos (Carlists): They did not want change. The Volunteer Royalists supported absolutism, vouching for tradition, the high power of the clergy, and the peasantry.
• Liberals (Isabelline): Their urban core supporters were the established aristocracy, landowners, and the bourgeoisie.

Political Parties

Moderate Liberals

They represented a synthesis between the old and the new.

• National Sovereignty: King and Cortes. The legislature would be bicameral (Congress and Senate).
• Census Suffrage: Only those with high economic status could vote.
• The Executive: The King.

Progressive Liberals

They were more radical and defended:

• National Sovereignty: Residing only in the Cortes, although the King moderated.
• Bicameral System: The King had no decision-making power in elections.
• Wider Electoral Body.

The Implementation of the Liberal Regime

Government of Martinez de la Rosa

He developed the Royal Statute, reflecting moderate sovereignty of the King, and established two chambers: one with members nominated by the King, and the other with elected officials through census suffrage. The courts were responsible for constitutional matters.

Mendizábal's Government (1836) and the Regency

The Constitution of 1837 was established. Sergeants and soldiers of La Granja de San Ildefonso rose up, forcing the Queen to form a new government. Key features included:

• National sovereignty.
• Broad voting rights and a comprehensive statement of rights and liberties.
• The Cortes and legislative power.
• The King held executive power.
• An independent judiciary.
• A new Town Councils Act.

Regency of Espartero (1840-1843)

General Espartero, a prestigious figure from the First Carlist War, led a very unstable progressive government. He attempted free trade, which led to uprisings in Barcelona. The Cortes declared Isabella II of age, and she became Queen at 14.