Spanish Political Factions: Moderates Versus Progressives

The Moderate Party

The Moderate Party supports a constitutional monarchy, with extensive executive powers, shared sovereignty, individual liberties, limited denominational state, and a centralized state.

Their social bases often include aristocrats and the bourgeoisie enriched with seizures. Some characters associated with this party are Narváez, O'Donnell, and General Serrano.

The Progressive Party

The Progressive Party advocates a constitutional monarchy with no executive power, national sovereignty, defense and protection of individual freedoms, and a less centralized state with some autonomy and democratization of municipalities and provincial councils.

Their bases are generally liberal: financial professionals, officials, small traders, and artisans. Among the most prominent figures are Mendizábal, General Espartero, Madoz, and General Prim.

Political Conflict and the 1837 Constitution

In the desire to amend the statute, the Regent showed such opposition that it forced the resignation of Mendizábal. This unleashed a popular uprising that ended with the call "Mutiny of La Granja." This forced the Regent to swear the Constitution of 1812 and replaced Mendizábal in his position. With him, the progressive party's agenda was set aside, and modifications to the Royal Charter began, resulting in the new Constitution of 1837.

Key Features of the 1837 Constitution

A progressive Constitution establishes the principle of national sovereignty. The Crown is given the possibility to sanction and promulgate laws, to convene, suspend, and dissolve the courts, and to appoint and dismiss ministers. Moreover, bicameral courts were established:

• A joint Senate, consisting of senators appointed by the Queen Regent and some elected members.
• A more popular chamber in which deputies are elected through a vote by census (voto por división lesiva), meaning only those who meet a certain income threshold are eligible.

It also recognized rights, notably freedom of expression, and strengthened the role of the National Militia.

The Moderate Attempt to Limit Rights

This Constitution of 1837 did not prevent the Regent from remaining engaged in national politics. At the end of '37, the Moderate Party won and attempted to place limits on the Constitution of 1837:

• Restricting freedom of expression.
• Implementing a stricter income requirement for voting.
• Elimination of the National Militia.

They ended up drafting a bill that would strip any autonomy from the municipalities. This attempt led to a progressive revolutionary movement that put the mayor in a difficult situation.

Espartero's Intervention and the Regent's Exile

The Regent sought a solution in General Espartero, requiring the suspension of the Municipalities Act and the dissolution of the courts. The Regent, offended, supported the Councils Act. Espartero then led the Revolutionary Council of Madrid, carrying out a rebellion that, due to his prestige, was supported by most of the army. The ruler, having no way out, decided to waive the regency and was exiled in Paris. General Espartero was then appointed as the new Regent.