Moderate Liberalism in Spain: Reign of Elizabeth II

Moderate Liberalism: The Reign of Elizabeth II

The Moderate Party and the Monarchy

In Spain, a moderate party headed the government with the support of the consolidated monarchy. This was a form of liberalism, but with a centralist and conservative character. Censitary suffrage was imposed, with major intervention of the crown in politics, a limitation of individual and collective freedoms, and the army continued to have a huge influence. All groups resorted to seeking power through pronouncements. The new regime sought the support of specific groups: the aristocracy, the church, and the financial and industrial bourgeoisie. All with the new aim to stop Carlism and maintain the liberal order, but wanted to keep intact its social dominance.

The Role of Government Under General Narvaez

Under General Narvaez, the Constitution of 1845 was promulgated, which established a very limited suffrage and shared sovereignty between the courts and the king. A Concordat was signed with the Holy See that configured a confessional state. The state and municipal administration were reorganized, and civilian and military governments were strengthened in each province. Only the Basque Country and Navarre retained their old foral rights. Other reforms included centralizing taxes in the hands of the state and developing a penal code. The militia was disbanded, and the Civil Guard was created.

The Progressive Wing, the Biennium, and the Crisis of the Elizabethan System

A pronouncement won support from the military, moderate progressives, and disgruntled founders of the Liberal Union. They wanted to restore the principles of the 1837 constitutional regime and carry out economic reforms. The last stage of Elizabeth II's reign alternated between moderates and the Liberal Union. A colonialist policy was conducted, with its greatest exponent in the war in Africa. Domestically, the government was very authoritarian, and opposition to the regime grew. New political groups emerged, such as the Democrats, who defended universal male suffrage, and the Republicans, who advocated for the abolition of the monarchy.

The Crisis of 1917

Political and social discontent with the government broke the dynastic parties in 1917. Political opposition forces called for a Parliamentary Assembly and demanded that the government call for a constituent Cortes. Additionally, military groups confronted the government. Finally, the CNT and UGT trade unions called a general strike, revealing a very serious crisis.

Social Unrest

The growth of strong trade unions spurred mobilizations in defense of better wages and working conditions. Leaders included Salvador Seguí and Juan Angel Pestaña. It was in this period where the workers' struggle was magnified. The most important event was the strike at the Canadian electricity company. The government and employers hardened their attitudes towards workers. Employers favored the creation of more docile unions (free syndicates) and armed groups that intimidated and murdered labor leaders and ended strikes (gunmen).