Spain's Tumultuous Mid-19th Century: Isabella II's Reign and the Glorious Revolution
Political Turmoil in Mid-19th Century Spain
The war was caused by the Carlist opposition to the marriage between Queen Isabella II and the Earl of Montemolín (son of Carlos María Isidro). In the last years of the decade, the Moderates signed the Concordat with the Holy See, a fact that temporarily solved the problem caused by the confiscation of Church property.
The Progressive Biennium (1854-1856)
In 1854, due to the crisis stemming from the conflict between the Senate and the government, a new military uprising led the Progressives to power. However, their government lasted only two years (1854-1856).
Key Political Parties and Leaders of the Era:
- Carlists: Opposed to Isabella II's succession.
- Moderates: Led by Narváez.
- Liberal Union: Led by O'Donnell.
- Progressives: Led by Espartero.
- Democrats: Led by Rivero.
Following the second major process of Church property confiscation, the government suffered a new Carlist uprising and renewed tensions with the Holy See. The weakening of public debt, coupled with social unrest, led to Espartero's forced resignation. Thus, the Constitution drafted by the Progressives did not become effective.
O'Donnell's Liberal Union Government (1856-1863)
O'Donnell, at the head of the Liberal Union, took the government and continued in office until 1863. This marked a return to authoritarian conservatism, dismantling the legislative and policy work undertaken during the Progressive Biennium. During this period, laws were passed for the formation of a new administrative system, as well as the implementation of major public works.
Foreign Policy and the African War
Foreign policy, for its part, was marked by a desire to gain prestige. The most important event was the African War, which significantly strengthened the nation's positions in the Moroccan Sultanate.
Decline of the Monarchy and Narváez's Return (1864)
Finally, internal division and Queen Isabella II's constant interference in government affairs led to the fall of the Liberal Union government. In this way, and after eighteen months of ineffective governments, Narváez came to power (1864).
Growing Discontent and the Road to Revolution
This began a period in which the monarchy began to depreciate. The confrontation with the new Italian state (the Roman Question), the Queen's progressive discrediting, the revolt led by General Prim, and the military coup in the barracks of San Gil, all caused an irreparable weakening of the monarchy.
In 1866, the Pact of Ostende was signed between Progressives and Democrats to agree to remove Isabella II from the throne. Spain suffered a severe economic crisis, and social unrest increased moment by moment.
The Glorious Revolution of 1868
Finally, in September 1868, what became known as the Glorious Revolution materialized, ending the reign of Queen Isabella II and leading to her exile.