The Liberal Union and the Reign of Isabella II
Economic Development and Infrastructure
This period was marked by the development plan set out in the Two Railroads and capital investments abroad. The Catalan and Basque bourgeoisie funded the design of roads in their respective territories.
The Liberal Union made efforts to reassure property owners through the development of important legislation, including the Mortgage Law and the Notaries Law. The secularization initiated by Madoz continued, leading to the mobilization of the populace—mainly farmers, such as those in Loja in 1861—and risky, adventurous expeditions by the Chartists, such as the one aborted in San Carlos de la Rápita.
Foreign Policy Initiatives
The most remarkable aspects of Spanish foreign policy during this period were the interventions that constituted a policy of grandeur while stimulating related economic sectors. Projects under O'Donnell focused on the expedition to Timbuktu, the Mexican question, and the war in Africa.
Engagement in Asia
The murder of Spanish bishops served as an excuse for Spain to intervene militarily in Cochin. Spain secured a war indemnity and commercial freedom in the region.
American Politics
Efforts were made to restore relations with former colonies. However, significant errors occurred, such as the troop dispatch to Mexico led by Prim. This mission failed to achieve its intended goals, as France instead imposed Maximilian as the Emperor of Mexico.
The War in Africa
The primary objective was the protection of Ceuta and Melilla against attacks by the Kabyles.
The End of the Reign of Isabella II
O'Donnell sought to recognize the new Kingdom of Italy, which had achieved unification after overcoming opposition from Austria and the Papal States. This created friction with the Church and Catholic sectors. The Queen, deeply committed to these groups and influenced by the court clique, caused the General's resignation in 1863. The Liberal Union began to unravel, with leaders such as Madoz and Ríos Rosas joining the liberal parliamentary minority.
Following the fall of O'Donnell, the most destabilizing factor was the inhibition of the progressives, who protested against the Crown for not being called to exercise power. Isabella II, unaware of the crisis within the party supporting the constitutional balance, refused to call upon the progressives and instead supported successive moderate governments.
Under his new government, Narváez had to face an emerging social sector: the students, who protested against the repression exerted on their teachers.