Reign of Isabella II of Spain: Politics & Key Events

Reign of Isabella II (1843-1868)

From late 1843, Spanish political life was shaped by the personality and character of Queen Isabella II. Isabella II, supported the moderate politicians, including O'Donnell and Narváez, except for brief periods.

The Queen's support of the moderates allowed them to modify the system and enact a new constitution in 1845, along with other municipal laws. These changes increased the Crown's power, centralized authority, and reduced political participation through a more restrictive census suffrage.

The Constitution of 1845

In late 1843, the liberals were ousted from power. The moderates, led by Narváez, gained royal support. They called for new courts to reform the system and enact a new constitution in 1845. Inspired by conservative liberalism, the new constitution established:

• Shared Sovereignty: Between the King and the Cortes.
• Supremacy of the Crown: The Crown held executive power, shared legislative power with the Cortes, freely chose the government, appointed Senators, and had the power to suspend, dissolve, and summon the Cortes without limitation.
• Limited Political Participation: Deputies were elected by a highly restrictive census suffrage.
• Restriction of Freedoms: Prior censorship of the press was imposed.
• Catholic Confessional State: Catholicism was declared the state religion.

The Progressive Biennium (1854-1856)

In 1854, progressives and unhappy moderates staged a military coup known as the Vicálvaro, led by General O'Donnell. They issued the Manifesto of Manzanares, outlining their desire to reform the system.

Queen Isabella II, facing pressure, appointed Espartero as head of government. O'Donnell, with military support, became Minister of War. The new Cortes drafted a new constitution, the non nata Constitution of 1856, which was never enacted.

The progressive government's key actions included:

1. The Law of Civil Confiscation (Madoz Law): This law, implemented by Pascual Madoz, put the assets of municipalities, military orders, and charitable institutions up for sale. Madoz's measures led to the deterioration of living conditions for many peasants and increased social tensions, particularly in rural areas and Andalusia.
2. The Railways Act (1855): This act laid the foundations for the formation of the Spanish railway network.

Differences between Espartero and O'Donnell, clashes between progressives and moderates, and Espartero's authoritarianism led to great political instability. O'Donnell staged a coup, defeated the militia, and drove Espartero and the progressives from power.