The Regency of Maria Cristina and the Liberal Transition
The Regency of Maria Cristina (1833-1840)
Between 1833 and 1840, Maria Cristina de Borbón ruled as regent. The outbreak of the First Carlist War forced the regent to appoint Martínez de la Rosa to the government. He became convinced of the need for political liberalization and opening.
The Royal Charter and the Carlist War
In April 1834, the Royal Charter (Estatuto Real) was published. This was a granted charter that only allowed for a call to the Cortes, regulated in a very conservative and elitist manner. Its composition and voting systems were indirect and highly restricted. Parliamentary debates soon consolidated the differences between the Moderates and the Liberals, who did not support the Statute.
Mendizábal and the Liberal Reforms
A lack of funds and tactical errors in the war caused strong unrest in the streets. Finally, in the summer of 1835, an insurrection broke out in most cities, forcing the regent to appoint a Progressive leader as the new head of government. Juan Álvarez Mendizábal adopted a series of wartime measures and took the first steps to dismantle the legal system of the Old Régime.
The nationalization and confiscation of rustic and religious Church property followed, which were then sold at public auction. However, his political stance confronted him with the Moderates and the Regent, who forced his resignation in May 1836.
The Constitution of 1837 and Political Conflict
The regent's attempt to return to conservatism sparked a new Progressive insurrection, culminating on August 12 with the revolt of the Royal Guard at the Palacio de la Granja. This forced Maria Cristina to hand the government to the Progressives and restore the 1812 Constitution. The new government was led by Calatrava.
The newly elected Cortes drafted the Constitution of 1837 as an attempt to reach an agreement with the Moderates. For three years, Maria Cristina favored the Moderates. In 1840, the government's attempt to amend the Municipal Act provoked Liberal opposition. A new uprising forced the resignation of the Regent, who chose to leave the country.
The Regency of Espartero and Isabella II's Majority
General Espartero became the new regent, inaugurating the tendency of the military to direct liberal policy. However, rumors that England was negotiating a free trade agreement sparked an insurrection in Barcelona. The resulting pressure forced him to resign. To avoid a new regency, the Cortes voted by majority to declare the majority of Isabella II.