Spain's Liberal Transition: Regencies and Constitutions (1834-1843)

The Spanish Regency Era: Political Transformations (1834-1843)

The Royal Statute of 1834: Maria Cristina's Regency

During the regency of Maria Cristina of Naples, Spain underwent a significant transition from an absolutist state to a liberal state. Absolute reformists and moderate factions collaborated to construct a new political commitment. This commitment was embodied in the Royal Statute of 1834, a charter issued by the Queen Regent.

Under this Statute, the Queen retained almost all her powers, limited only by the establishment of the Cortes. This bicameral legislature could merely approve projects and discuss laws presented by the Queen Regent. The Cortes were formed by an elitist estate of barristers with voting rights, reflecting a restricted political system.

Opposition to the Statute Regime

Moderate-Progressive Discontent

The authoritarian character of the Royal Statute proved unsatisfactory to the progressive elements, provoking demands for political change. This discontent manifested in popular uprisings, such as the motín (riot) during the cholera epidemic of 1834. Accusations against monks led to the burning of convents and the assassination of friars. A year later, similar popular uprisings and attacks on convents recurred, compelling the Regent to appoint a progressive leader, Juan Álvarez Mendizábal. Mendizábal was tasked with advancing the project of disentailment of church lands, a key liberal reform.

The Sargentada de La Granja

A pivotal moment occurred with the Sargentada de La Granja, where a group of sergeants pronounced in favor of the Constitution of 1812. This military uprising forced the Queen Regent to abolish the Royal Statute and restore the more liberal 1812 Constitution.

The Constitution of 1837 Regime

Following the Sargentada, the government came under progressive control. Their legislative efforts focused on two main aspects:

• Suppression of primogeniture, abolition of lordships, and the disappearance of jurisdictional tithes.
• The Cortes began elaborating a new constitution, the Constitution of 1837. Although initiated by progressives, its final proposals incorporated moderate ideological elements.

Features of the 1837 Constitution:

• It declared national sovereignty.
• It included a limited declaration of rights and broad liberties.
• It established financial responsibility for the Church.
• It created bicameral Cortes: the Senate, appointed by the Queen, and the Congress of Deputies, elected by the nation.
• The Queen retained executive power, shared legislative power with the Cortes, and held the right to veto legislation.

Return of the Moderates and End of Maria Cristina's Regency

In subsequent elections, the Moderates secured victory. They abandoned many liberal reforms and approved the first Municipal Law, which significantly reduced the elective character of local councils. This law sparked widespread uprisings against the Regent, ultimately leading Maria Cristina to relinquish her regency.

Espartero's Regency (1840-1843)

The Cortes appointed General Baldomero Espartero as the new regent, marking a period where progressive institutions largely controlled the State. The Moderates, however, sought to regain power. An attempted pronunciamiento led by Diego León and Ramón María Narváez failed. Nevertheless, political instability eventually led to the end of Espartero's regency and the return of power to the Moderates. Shortly thereafter, Isabella II was declared of age, bringing an end to the regency period.