Spanish Liberalism and the Carlist Wars: Political Transformation

Jurisdiction and Liberalism

In the early nineteenth century, the Liberal Revolution occurred timidly. As Fernando VII abolished the work of Cadiz, liberalism was only truly implanted after his death during the reign of Elizabeth II. However, this consolidation caused a conflict between liberals and absolutists, which the liberals eventually won, bringing a definitive end to the Old Régime.

The War of Succession

The death of Ferdinand VII in 1833 opened a war of succession between the followers of his daughter, Elizabeth II (who could reign because the Pragmatic Sanction had been promulgated by her father), and the Carlists, defenders of Carlos, the king's brother.

Ideological Confrontation

The war began as a dynastic conflict between the Chartists (Elizabethans) and the Carlists, but it turned into an ideological confrontation:

• Liberals (Elizabethans): Fought for a constitutional government, a standardized and centralized state, and a civil society where church and government were related. They supported reforms and allowed a bill of rights.
• Carlists: Supported the Old Regime, tradition, monarchical absolutism, the Councils, and the denominational particularities of the state ("God, Country, Jurisdiction, King"), along with a timid bill of rights.

The Carlist Wars

The Carlist Wars had two distinct foci: the 1st and 3rd stages were centered in the Basque-Navarre region, while the 2nd occurred in Catalonia.

First Carlist War (1833–1840)

During this period, the Basque Country, Navarra, and Rioja Alavesa (except their capitals) came under the power of the Chartists, who swore charters. However, the attempt to conquer Bilbao led to the loss of the Carlist army leader, Colonel Zumalacárregui. On August 31, 1839, Espartero and Maroto ended the war wing through the agreement known as the "Embrace of Vergara." The Foral regime survived in the Basque provinces.

Second Carlist War (1846–1849)

This was a short war that happened in Catalonia and Aragon. The continued execution of prisoners prevented the formation of a large army.

Third Carlist War (1872–1876)

The Carlists defended their privileges, gaining many followers. Although Chartism was already defeated, the war continued. In 1874, with the pronouncement in Sagunto establishing Alfonso XII as King of Spain, Carlos lost the support of conservative Catholics, thus ending the conflict.

Consolidation of Liberalism

The victory of Alfonso XII meant the loss of privileges [*]. However, to avoid political instability, Cánovas promulgated the Royal Decree of 1878, which established the Economic Foral system. This meant Basque councils could determine, collect, and administer taxes, provided they completed the annual payment of a sum of money (the cupo) to the state.

Legacy

With the victory in the 3rd Carlist War, the liberal system was fully consolidated. The Carlist experience led to the rise of nationalists who would defend the specific foral rights throughout the Restoration period.