Spain's 1837 Constitution and Political Turmoil

The Constitution of 1837 and its Aftermath

A Progressive Start

The Constitution of 1837, described as progressive, emerged from a consensus among liberal groups, drawing inspiration from the 1812 Constitution while incorporating conservative elements. It recognized national sovereignty and the separation of powers, but maintained a strong executive branch, granting the Crown the power to veto legislation, dissolve the Cortes, and appoint and dismiss ministers. Legislative power was shared between the bicameral Cortes (Congress of Deputies and Senate) and the Crown.

The Constitution enshrined individual rights such as freedom of the press, opinion, and association. Notably, it avoided establishing a Catholic confessional state, though the state remained obligated to support the clergy and worship. The Constitution also empowered municipalities, allowing residents to elect mayors and councilors. The re-established National Militia, composed of citizen volunteers, maintained order under the municipalities' authority. These municipalities became centers of power, often inciting progressive riots and uprisings.

Progressive Reforms

Progressive governments implemented reforms to dismantle the ancien régime and establish a liberal order. These reforms included:

• Seizure of assets from the secular clergy and removal of some religious orders (excluding those involved in teaching or healthcare).
• Dissolution of the manorial system and freeing up land for the open market (abolishing primogeniture).
• Elimination of the tithe to the Church.
• Economic liberalization (abolishing the Mesta, customs unions, and domestic tariffs).

These measures aimed to establish a free market and lay the foundation for economic liberalism in Spain.

Moderate Resurgence

Despite these efforts, progressives struggled to maintain political dominance. In the 1837 elections, with an extremely restricted suffrage (2-4% of the population), moderates gained a majority and formed a government with the Regent's support. Over the next three years, they attempted to undermine progressive legislation by further restricting suffrage, limiting press freedom, and attempting to return seized goods to the clergy and restore the tithe.

In 1840, moderates sought to amend the municipal electoral law, removing residents' voting rights (as outlined in Article 70 of the Constitution) and granting the Crown and Government the power to appoint mayors. This elimination of popular vote sparked progressive uprisings, forcing the Regent's resignation and exile.

Espartero's Regency (1840-1843)

General Espartero, victorious against the Carlists, assumed the regency with progressive support. However, his three-year rule proved authoritarian, disregarding the Cortes and alienating his liberal allies. His harsh suppression of rebellions, regardless of their origin, earned him widespread disapproval.

Espartero's open-door trade policy, allowing the import of British textiles, provoked uprisings among the bourgeoisie and working class in Barcelona, who feared for their livelihoods. His brutal response, bombing the city, further alienated Catalonia and progressives (1842). Moderate conspiracies culminated in a military coup led by General Narváez, forcing Espartero into exile in England (1843). The Cortes then declared Isabel II queen at the age of 13.