Spain's Liberal State: Espartero and Isabella II's Reign

Espartero's Regency (1840-1843)

The corruption prevalent in the regent's inner circle and his attempts to control the municipalities turned public opinion against him. María Cristina had to resign and go into exile. The Espartero Regency (1840-1843) was characterized by the Regent's personalism and authoritarian measures, leading him to lose the support of his own party. A new pronouncement brought the Moderates to power and sent Espartero into exile.

Isabella II's Reign: Foundations of the Liberal State

Given the failure of the two regencies, Isabella was declared of age at 13 years old. From then on, a complex rule began, establishing the foundations of the liberal state. Key characteristics of this period included:

• The Army's Influence in Politics

  The significant weight of the army in political life led to what was known as the Regime of the Generals. Military figures were often the most popular leaders of the major parties and held prominent government positions.

• Weakness of Political Parties

  The weakness of political parties meant that Moderates and Progressives struggled to articulate a coherent political life.

• Lack of Crown Neutrality

  The lack of neutrality of the Crown was evident. While the theory of shared sovereignty, advocated by the Moderates, granted special power to the monarchy, the Crown's actions were clearly favorable to the Moderate party.

• Political Corruption and Scandals

  Isabella's immature personality and political maneuvers exposed her to various factions and intrigues. The prevailing climate of political corruption, financial scandals, and favoritism by the throne eroded its prestige.

Key Stages of Isabella II's Reign

• The Moderate Decade (1844-1854)

  The 1845 Constitution imposed Moderate principles. The Civil Guard was created, and a Concordat with the Holy See was signed in 1851.

• The Progressive Biennium (1854-1856)

  A military uprising prompted the formation of a Progressive government. A new Constitution was drafted but never enacted, and a second disentailment (desamortización) was planned by Madoz. Tensions between Espartero and O'Donnell led to the fall of the former and the return of the Moderates to power.

• Later Moderate Governments & The Glorious Revolution (1856-1868)

  Moderate governments pursued a foreign policy of prestige. The Liberal Union was founded, and two new political parties, the Democrats and Republicans, gained increasing support against the Monarchy by 1866. Political forces entered the Pact of Ostend to overthrow the Queen. In 1868, a military coup, with broad popular support, overthrew Isabella, sending her into exile in France.