Spain's 19th Century Transformation: Independence, Instability, and Reforms

Spanish American Independence Movements

Stages of Independence

• First Stage: Juntas were established in America, fostering a desire for independence.
• Second Stage: Ferdinand VII refused to grant autonomy to the colonies. Figures like Simón Bolívar, Antonio José de Sucre, and José de San Martín, with support from the USA and UK, led military victories against Spain.
• By 1815, Spain had lost nearly all its American territories.

The Isabeline Period in Spain

Regency Period: Ferdinand VII's Aftermath

• Government was exercised by a regent after the death of her father, Ferdinand VII.

• The First Carlist War

  • The First Carlist War erupted due to disputes over the succession to the throne.
  • Supporters of Don Carlos, primarily absolutists, fought against Isabel's supporters, who were mostly liberals.
  • Isabel's supporters won with the 'Embrace of Vergara'.

The Reign of Isabel II

• Isabel II ascended to the throne at the age of 13.
• Her reign was characterized by significant political instability.
• Confrontation between the Moderate Party (representing the higher class) and the Progressive Party (representing the middle class). Both shared liberal ideologies but advocated for different constitutions.

• Political Parties and Alliances

  • New parties emerged, including the Unión Liberal (a centrist party), the Democrats (advocating for male suffrage), and the Republicans (seeking to abolish the monarchy).
  • The Progressive Party, Unión Liberal, Democrats, and Republicans formed the Pact of Ostende to depose Isabel II and establish a parliament through universal suffrage that would devise a new constitution.

The Revolutionary Sexenio (1868-1874)

• The deposition and exile of Isabel II followed the 'La Gloriosa' revolution.

Stages of the Revolutionary Period

• The Provisional Government (1868-1871)

  Issued the Constitution of 1869, a landmark in Spanish history. It established freedom of expression, universal male suffrage, national sovereignty, and division of powers, though it remained monarchical.

• The Democratic Monarchy (1871-1873)

  Amadeo of Savoy, the new king, had a brief reign marked by opposition from Republicans, sectors of the army, and Bourbon loyalists. He abdicated in 1873.

• The First Spanish Republic (1873-1874)

  This republic was short-lived due to disputes with federalists, the ongoing war in Cuba, and a new Carlist War. It ultimately led to the restoration of the monarchy under Alfonso XII.

Agricultural Reforms: Desamortización

Understanding Desamortización

• Desamortización: This process profoundly changed Spanish rural areas during the period. It involved a set of laws that confiscated land from the Church and municipalities, selling it for profit. The primary purpose was to cultivate unused Church land and make agriculture a more profitable enterprise. The most important law was enacted by Mendizábal.
• As a result, cultivated areas increased, and new machinery and irrigation systems were introduced.