The Moderate Regime in Spain: 1845-1850

The Moderates in Power (1845-1850)

The Configuration of the Moderate Regime

The new court had an overwhelming majority of moderates, with General Narvaez as head of government. The regime was based on the social, economic, and political dominance of the landed gentry. It was not a return to old absolutism, but rather a conservative liberalism that implemented reforms to the state.

The Constitution of 1845 reflects the basic ideas of conservatism:

• The rejection of national sovereignty and its replacement with the joint sovereignty of the king and the courts.
• Expansion of executive power and reduction of the powers of the courts.
• Commitment to maintaining the cult and clergy.
• Municipalities and county councils under the central administration.
• Suppression of the national militia.
• Restricting the right to vote.
• The Senate appointed by the Queen.

The Constitution largely retained the articles of the 1837 Constitution and gave enormous powers to the crown. The moderates tried to improve relations with the Church and signed a concordat with the Holy See, which established the suspension of the sale of church property, the return of unsold church lands, and Isabel II's support for the throne.

The Construction of the Liberal State

Moderate liberalism undertook the task of building a liberal state structure in Spain under the principles of centralism and uniformity.

The tax and finance reform of 1845 centralized taxes in the hands of the state and facilitated direct contributions. It addressed legal unification and codification, passing the Penal Code of 1851 and drafting a civil code. It reorganized the administration and education, with educational skills passing into the state-regulated central system of public instruction by creating different levels of education. It adopted a unique system of weights and measures and created the Civil Guard.

Alternatives to Conservatism

Political life did not develop in the courts but around them, with the organization of powerful lobbies and electoral control by the government. The opposition to the left of the government considered any political and parliamentary action futile.

Carlism remained the strongest opposition force, and Carlist uprisings were revitalized. The Democratic Party became a force of moderate opposition to the government's policies.

The government's attitude led to progressive and moderate uprisings, which resulted in the issuance of the Manifesto of Vicálvaro, headed by General O'Donnell. The manifesto demanded compliance with the Constitution. Various warlords joined the call. Queen Isabel II then formed a progressive military government led by the old General Espartero.