The Progressive Biennium: 1854-1856 Spanish Reforms

The Progressive Biennium (1854-1856)

During the Progressive Biennium (1854-1856), progressive governments attempted to implement genuinely liberal measures that had been suspended since 1844. Key reforms included:

• Restoration of military service.
• Implementation of progressive municipal laws, allowing mayors to be elected by residents.
• Restoration of freedom of the press.

The Non-Enacted Constitution of 1856

The starting point was the development of a new constitution. The text remained a project, similar to the 1837 Constitution, as the Constitution of 1856 was never enacted (the non-nata Constitution). It included progressive ideological pillars:

• Bicameral National Sovereignty, with both houses elected.
• Shared legislative power between the Crown and the Courts.
• Religious tolerance.
• An extensive list of civil duties.

Economic Reforms and Industrialization

Economic policies aimed to favor the bourgeoisie and urban middle classes through two main initiatives:

• The Madoz Confiscation (1855): Affected Church property and municipal assets (the so-called "national assets").
• The General Railway Act (1855): Encouraged railroad construction as a symbol of industrialization and progress, while attracting foreign capital.

These reforms also regulated the Spanish financial system, which was of great importance to the development of capitalism in Spain.

Social Unrest and the End of the Biennium

Despite these reforms, living conditions for the working classes did not improve. Epidemics, poor harvests, rising prices, and clashes between workers and employers led to increased strikes, such as the general strike in Barcelona (July 1855) and popular uprisings in the fields of Castile (1856). The Labour Act of 1856 failed to meet popular demands, causing the working classes to withdraw their support for the progressives.

In July 1856, Espartero resigned due to pressure from moderates, radical liberals, and social riots. O'Donnell harshly repressed the resistance and took control of the government against the parliamentary majority. This marked the end of the Progressive Biennium, as the progressive wing of radical liberalism lost its influence to the Democrats.