Spanish Restoration & Carlist Wars: Absolutism vs. Liberalism

Restoration of Absolutism (1814-1820)

In 1814, Ferdinand VII returned to Spain. Liberals hoped he would uphold the Constitution of Cádiz, but he abolished it and restored the Old Regime. He reinstated privileges for the clergy and nobility, exempting them from taxes. Ferdinand ruled absolutely, persecuting liberals, many of whom fled into exile.

Liberals and the army attempted pronouncements to restore liberalism, but these failed due to public indifference, and their leaders were imprisoned or executed.

Trienio Liberal (1820-1823)

In 1820, a liberal uprising led by Colonel Riego proclaimed the Constitution of 1812. Ferdinand VII was forced to swear to the constitution, release political prisoners, and hold elections. Liberal reforms were reinstated, and a national militia was formed.

However, in 1823, the Holy Alliance sent the Hundred Thousand Sons of St. Louis to Spain, restoring Ferdinand VII as absolute monarch.

End of Absolutism and the Carlist War (1833-1840)

Spain faced a financial crisis, worsened by the loss of the American Empire. Ferdinand VII attempted to modernize the government, angering the nobles. Persecuted liberals launched several pronouncements.

To address the dynastic crisis, Ferdinand VII issued the Pragmatic Sanction, allowing his daughter Isabella to inherit the throne. Many absolutists, however, supported his brother, Don Carlos.

Upon Ferdinand VII's death in 1833, his widow, Maria Cristina, assumed the regency. Don Carlos proclaimed himself king, sparking the Carlist War.

This war was an ideological clash between liberals supporting Isabella and absolutists backing Don Carlos. The seven-year conflict ended with the Carlist defeat at the Embrace of Vergara in 1840, although the underlying conflict persisted throughout the 19th century.