Spain's Liberal State: Narváez, O'Donnell, and the Moderate Decade

The Liberal State and Moderate Rule (1843–1868)

During this period, a Liberal State was established, primarily ruled by the Moderates, led by General Narváez. This era is divided into three distinct phases:

The Moderate Decade (1844–1854)

General Narváez imposed a political system where order superseded freedom (known as doctrinaire liberalism). This was a highly corrupt period characterized by rigged elections and the marginalization of the Progresistas. The Constitution of 1845, which was notably conservative, was promulgated.

Key Policies of the Moderate Decade:

• Provincial administration was centralized, ensuring local control by the government.
• The Civil Guard was created to maintain order in rural areas (as the Army already controlled the cities).
• Education was adjusted to ensure control by the government.
• The confiscation of Church lands was suspended; moreover, the state pledged to allocate a portion of public funds to the Church.

Gradually, opposition grew and became stronger.

The Progressive Biennium (1854–1856)

An uprising of moderate leftists and liberals, led by O'Donnell, began in 1854. The revolt started in Vicálvaro (Madrid) and moved south, attracting more people. The Manifesto of Manzanares, drafted by Cánovas del Castillo, was issued, and the revolt spread among the populace of large cities based on the rebels' demands.

Following barricades and other events in Madrid, Isabel II granted the government to the Progressives, led by General Espartero. General O'Donnell remained the leader of the moderate leftists. They collaborated during these two years of government, drafting a constitution and continuing the confiscations. Toward the end of the biennium, labor strikes began, leading to a government crisis that ultimately ended the period.

Alternation Between Moderates and Liberals (1856–1868)

There was an alternation in government between the Moderates, led by Narváez, and a new party called the Liberal Union, which included the more right-wing liberals and more moderate leftists, led by O'Donnell. In this period, the main concern was economic policy.

The domestic politics that took place did not result in a peaceful alternation of power between different groups, leading to conspiracies against each other and even against the Queen herself.