María Cristina & Espartero: Regency in Spain (1833-1843)

The Regency of María Cristina (1833-1840)

Isabella II became Queen at only three years old. Consequently, her mother, María Cristina, became regent. The first government was very conservative, but the Carlist Wars (1833-1840) forced the regent to embrace liberalism. Initially, Maria Cristina supported moderate liberals, who implemented minor reforms.

Maria Cristina appointed Juan Álvarez Mendizabal as president. He:

• Abolished the Ancient Regime
• Implemented fiscal reforms
• Dissolved manorialism
• Initiated a disentailment of property and confiscation of Church property
• Abolished the Mesta and guilds

These changes triggered military uprisings, popular revolts, and the mutiny of "La Granja" in 1836, along with uprisings by liberals and complaints from the Church. As a result, María Cristina replaced Mendizabal with Calatrava (1836-1837), who established the Constitution of 1837. This constitution declared:

• National sovereignty
• Census suffrage
• Separation of powers
• Two chambers (Congress and Senate)
• Numerous rights and industrial liberties

The Regency of Espartero (1840-1843)

Numerous revolts led to María Cristina stepping down. General Espartero was then appointed regent. His military background resulted in an authoritarian governing style.

The implementation of free trade caused conflicts. The textile industry in Barcelona revolted, but Espartero suppressed the uprising with force. Conservative liberals capitalized on the situation, forcing Espartero to resign. They then expedited Isabella II's coming of age, allowing her to ascend to the throne and ushering in the reign of the moderate liberals.

The Moderate Decade (1843-1854)

Moderate liberals seized control of the government and appointed Narvaez as president. They enacted the Constitution of 1845, a moderate liberal constitution. Suffrage was highly restricted, and sovereignty was shared between the Cortes and the Crown. The State and municipal administration were reorganized, and the Basque Country (País Vasco) and Navarra were granted statutory laws.

The reforms included:

• A penal code
• A national education system
• A concordat with the Holy See
• The establishment of the Guardia Civil

However, challenges persisted, including the influence of Camarillas (political cliques) and electoral fraud.