Spain's Liberal Transformation and Carlist Conflicts

The Regency of Maria Christina (1833-1840)

Initial Challenges and Reforms

Upon the death of Ferdinand VII, his widow, Maria Christina, assumed the regency. She appointed a cabinet presided over by Francisco Cea Bermúdez. Necessary reforms were carried out by Javier de Burgos. The same year Ferdinand VII died, absolutist sectors conspired in favor of Carlos, the late king's brother, leading to the outbreak of the First Carlist War.

The Royal Statute of 1834

The onset of civil war forced the regent to heed calls for a convocation of the Cortes. Martínez de la Rosa was called upon to form a new government, composed of prominent politicians from the Liberal Triennium. This government conceived the Royal Statute of 1834, a constitution granted as a charter, characteristic of doctrinaire liberalism.

The Constitution of 1837

The Constitution of 1837 marked a significant shift. Its objectives, alongside the Disentailment of Mendizábal, included raising funds, weakening the Church's power, and creating a new social group of adherents to the liberal regime. Key characteristics of the 1837 Constitution were:

• National Sovereignty: Power resided with the nation.
• Division of Powers: Clear separation of executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
• Shared Legislative Power: Cortes shared legislative authority with the King.
• Royal Prerogative: The King held the right to veto laws.
• Bicameral Legislature: Composed of two chambers – the Congress of Deputies and the Senate.
• Censitary Suffrage: Voting rights were restricted to those who paid a certain amount in taxes, leading to electoral manipulation by the government.

Moderate Governments and Political Turmoil (1837-1840)

The Rise of Moderate Influence

The October 1837 elections resulted in a victory for the Moderates. The most enduring government of this phase was led by Evaristo Pérez de Castro. Moderate governments were significantly influenced by military power, with Ramón María Narváez emerging as a prominent figure in moderate liberalism, while Baldomero Espartero dominated the progressive faction.

Political Crises and Espartero's Role

A progressive riot in Madrid forced a change in government. Maria Christina's signature on the Municipal Law prompted political unrest and, in some interpretations, led to Espartero's increased influence or even a demand for his resignation from certain posts. Furthermore, a prominent "Mother Mutiny" (likely referring to a significant uprising) forced the regent to ask Espartero to repress the unrest.

The First Carlist War (1833-1840)

Stages of the Conflict

The First Carlist War unfolded in distinct stages:

• 1st Stage (1833-1835): From the death of Ferdinand VII until 1835, the Carlists took the initiative, achieving some successes. However, their efforts failed at Bilbao, where their key leader, Tomás de Zumalacárregui, died.
• 2nd Stage (1835-1837): This phase was characterized by "royal expeditions," with the campaigns of General Ramón Cabrera being particularly notable.
• 3rd Stage (1837-1839): The Liberals gained the initiative. This period saw growing division within the Carlist ranks, leading to internal conflicts and attempts to negotiate peace.