Spanish Political History: The Progressive Biennium and Liberal Union (1854–1863)

The Crisis of Isabel II's Reign

Since 1849, the political climate in Spain was deteriorating, marked by the founding of the Democratic Party by radical progressives. During this era, the government maintained a liberal bourgeois legal system with a centralized structure. Key policies included a reform of the Treasury and the restoration of relations with the Church, formalized by the Concordat of 1851, which recognized the Pope and Queen Isabel II.

However, two major issues plagued the period: the Queen's marriage and the Second Carlist War.

The Pact of Ostend and Political Opposition

In August 1866, progressive representatives, Democrats, and Republicans reached an agreement—the Pact of Ostend—to coordinate the opposition. This pact established two primary objectives:

1. The dethronement of Isabel II.
2. The convening of a Constituent Assembly elected by universal suffrage.

The Progressive Biennium (1854–1856)

The Coup and the Manifesto of Manzanares

The Progressive Biennium (1854–1856) began with a coup that succeeded thanks to popular support. General Leopoldo O'Donnell's initial military statement faltered after a clash with government troops in Vicálvaro (La Vicalvarada). However, the subsequent publication of the Manifesto of Manzanares garnered widespread popular backing.

Military leaders joined the movement, forcing Queen Isabel II to hand the government over to General Espartero. Espartero quickly called for early elections to the Constituent Cortes. For these elections, the Liberal Union was formed. Liberal Unionists and Progressives won the elections and governed together for the next two years.

The Cortes adopted a new constitution in 1856, which included limitations on the powers of the Crown and the executive. The government supported a series of key legislative acts:

• The Second Confiscation Act
• The Railway Act
• The Companies Act and Banking Credit Act

The Biennium took place in a climate of permanent social conflict, characterized by:

• Poor harvests and rising prices.
• Clashes between workers and employers.
• The cholera epidemic (which peaked around 1859, but social unrest was constant).

In July 1856, Espartero resigned, and the Queen ordered General O'Donnell to form a new government.

The Liberal Union Government (1856–1863)

Economic Growth and Domestic Policy

Between 1856 and 1863, the Liberal Union, a conservative party supported by the bourgeoisie and landowners, controlled Spanish politics. This was a time of economic euphoria, driven by railway construction and investment in banking and securities. Domestically, the government passed the Public Instruction Law and established the country's first census and official statistics.

Aggressive Spanish Foreign Policy

External action was a significant feature of this period. The Liberal Union government pursued an active and aggressive foreign policy, often referred to as a "policy of prestige." Key military and diplomatic actions included:

1. Sending an expeditionary force in support of the French in Indochina.
2. The war against Morocco.
3. The failed attempt to recover the colony of Santo Domingo (1861).
4. The expedition into Mexico (starting in 1861).
5. The war with Peru and Chile (Chincha Islands War).