The Rise of the Spanish Liberal State Under Isabel II

The Liberal Regime of Elizabeth II (1833-1868)

During the reign of Elizabeth II (1833-1868), the main objective was to settle the liberal state in Spain. This process was divided into two primary stages:

The Minority of Elizabeth II (1833-1843)

This first stage focused on the gradual and complete dismantling of the Old Regime. Between 1833 and 1835, Spain saw a transition between the absolutist state of Ferdinand VII and the liberal state of Isabella II. The protagonists were monarchical reformists and moderate liberals, including Martínez de la Rosa, who supported combining the old state with liberal principles.

The Royal Statute and Early Reforms

The legal text acting as a narrow bridge between liberalism and absolutism was the Royal Statute (1834). During this time, reforms took place such as the territorial division into provinces and the restoration of the National Militia. However, the liberal regime failed in its attempt to reconcile liberalism and absolutism.

The Progressive Break and Constitutional Reform

Progressive liberals and popular movements promoted liberalism through local boards in 1835 and 1836, which provoked a violent revolt. From 1835 until 1840, a break from the Old Regime was imposed, triggered by Mendizábal and the mutiny at La Granja de San Ildefonso in 1836. This ultimately resulted in a consolidation for the progressives, leading to the Constitution of 1837. This constitution was more moderate than the one from 1812, attempting to accommodate all liberal tendencies.

Other significant measures included:

• The resumption of confiscation (desamortización).
• The removal of indirect taxes (though they were later increased).

Despite these efforts, the deficit continued and was financed through public debt.

The Progressive Biennium (1854-1856)

The most important political revolution of this era took place in 1854. It was caused by the military uprising of O'Donnell in Vicálvaro (the Vicalvarada). The insurrectionists proclaimed their goals in the Manifesto of Manzanares. The decisive event was the Barricades in Madrid (1854).

From this time, a new government was formed led by Espartero and O'Donnell. This stage is known as the Progressive Biennium (Bienio Progresista). Several reforms took place here, such as the confiscation of Madoz and the restoration of previous laws. During this period, the Constitution of 1856 was drafted. The era also emphasizes the failure of alternating political groups.