Por la senda liberal (Memoria de España 20/26)

Name: Por la senda liberal (Memoria de España 20/26)
Uploaded: 2021-01-09T18:00:07.000Z
Duration: 1 h 44 min 7 s

The Political Turmoil in Spain: 1823-1832

The Exile of Liberals and the Return of Absolute Monarchy

In the autumn of 1823, Spanish liberals flee to exile due to repression by King Fernando VII, who has regained absolute power after a brief liberal revolution.

Exiles primarily head to France and England, with many settling in cities like Toulouse and Bordeaux, awaiting a chance to return home.

Reforms Under Fernando VII's Absolute Rule

From October 1, 1823, Fernando VII rules as an absolute monarch but introduces reformist measures to avoid past failures. The establishment of a council of ministers is a key reform.

Luis López Ballesteros stands out as Minister of Finance for his successful liberal policies that revive Spain's economy through significant reforms such as creating a stock exchange and approving a commercial code.

Opposition from Reactionary Forces

The reformist agenda alarms reactionary absolutists known as "realistas exaltados," who become the strongest opposition against Fernando VII's government.

By 1826, rural rebellions led by these reactionaries culminate in the "Guerra de los Agraviados" (War of the Aggrieved), particularly strong in Catalonia. This movement rallies support for Carlos María Isidro, brother of Fernando VII.

Succession Crisis and Political Intrigue

Following the death of his third wife in spring 1829, Fernando VII remarries his niece María Cristina de Borbón; this marriage raises succession concerns among realists since he has no male heir yet.

In April 1830, Fernando abolishes the Salic Law preventing female succession to ensure that his daughter Isabel can inherit the throne, effectively excluding Don Carlos from succession rights.

Liberal Conspiracies and Government Crackdowns

Inspired by liberal movements abroad, exiled radicals conspire within Spain for political change but face severe crackdowns; many are executed including notable figures like Mariana Pineda and General Torrijos following failed uprisings.

After these events fail to topple him, liberals shift strategies towards negotiating with the crown rather than direct confrontation against Fernando VII’s regime.

Shifts in Power Dynamics

In summer 1832, amidst illness affecting King Fernando VII at La Granja Palace, minister Diego Calomarde attempts to reinstate Salic Law favoring Don Carlos but fails when the king recovers and dismisses hardline ministers for moderates instead.

A new government enacts amnesty for exiled liberals while expelling Don Carlos from Spain to secure Isabel’s position as successor amid ongoing tensions between liberalism and absolutism in Spain.

The Rise of Carlist Wars in Spain

The Death of Fernando VII and Its Aftermath

Fernando VII, the last absolutist monarch of Spain, dies on September 29, 1833, leaving the nation on the brink of civil war. His reign began in 1808 amid conflict and ends with another impending confrontation among Spaniards.

Following his death, his brother Don Carlos refuses to recognize his niece Isabel as queen and proclaims himself king, leading to a rebellion.

The First Carlist War Begins

Don Carlos's supporters, known as Carlists, initiate the First Carlist War which will ravage Spain for seven years. María Cristina becomes regent until her daughter Isabel reaches maturity.

To protect her daughter's throne from the Carlists, María Cristina seeks support from liberals to form a government while aiming to transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy.

Conflicting Visions of Spain

The conflict represents two opposing visions for Spain: traditional monarchy led by Don Carlos supported by rural clergy versus a liberal vision backed by the bourgeoisie and military favoring constitutional reforms.

Francisco Martínez de la Rosa is appointed by María Cristina to lead this transition towards liberalism after drafting the Statute of 1834 aimed at sharing power with national representatives.

Political Reforms and Challenges

The Statute creates new parliamentary structures but is met with resistance from radical liberals who demand a genuine constitution rather than a mere semblance of one. It establishes two chambers: the Chamber of Procurators and an upper house resembling today's Senate.

Javier de Burgos initiates administrative centralization by dividing Spain into 49 provinces—a structure that largely remains today—aimed at modernizing state administration amidst civil unrest.

Civil Unrest and Military Engagement

As civil war escalates in 1834, political discussions become heated across regions; Carlists oppose Isabel's claim due to her gender while liberal factions are preoccupied with political reform over immediate military response against conservatism.

Early battles favor the Carlists under General Tomás de Zumalacárregui who capitalizes on liberal indecision; he organizes a strong rural army that gains traction in Basque Country and Navarra amidst growing resentment towards urban centers seen as bastions of liberalism.

This structured summary captures key events surrounding the rise of Carlism in Spain during this tumultuous period while providing timestamps for easy reference back to specific moments in the transcript.

The Impact of the Carlist Wars on Spanish Society

Orders and Military Actions

A general order is issued for a brutal crackdown on families supporting the Carlist cause, indicating a severe escalation in violence during the conflict.

The siege of Bilbao results in the death of General Zumalakarregi, leading to the Carlists lifting their siege after suffering significant losses.

Political Maneuvering Among Liberals

The threat posed by the Carlist War forces liberal factions (moderates and exalted/progressives) to unite, with Juana Álvarez de Mendizábal taking key government roles to secure resources.

Mendizábal initiates ecclesiastical property nationalization as a means to finance military efforts against the Carlists, marking a pivotal shift in state-church relations.

Consequences of Desamortización

The desamortización serves as a response to clerical support for Carlism, redistributing church lands through public auctions.

Approximately 25,000 religious individuals are displaced due to dissolved orders and confiscated properties, highlighting societal upheaval.

Economic Shifts and Land Ownership

The auctioning of nearly 10 million hectares creates new economic dynamics favoring bourgeoisie buyers who support liberal causes.

Aristocrats whose lands remain untouched also back liberal initiatives, exacerbating land concentration issues in southern Spain.

Social Ramifications of Desamortización

The Catholic Church suffers not only financial loss but also faces growing anti-clerical sentiment within society following violent incidents against clergy members.

Small farmers become laborers for new landowners due to inability to purchase land themselves, leading to increased proletarianization among rural populations.

Artistic Heritage at Risk

Valuable artistic heritage housed in monasteries becomes vulnerable due to neglect and looting amid political turmoil.

Tactical Changes by Carlists

After failing two sieges on Bilbao, Carlists adopt new strategies involving military expeditions aimed at rallying support from sympathizers across Spain.

General Miguel Gómez leads an unsuccessful expedition across Spain that underscores weak control by liberal forces over national territory.

Political Instability and Constitutional Changes

Moderates encourage military uprisings against progressive liberals; this culminates in restoring the 1812 Constitution after forcing Queen Regent's compliance.

A new constitution is enacted in 1837 that balances power between monarchy and individual rights while aiming for stability amidst ongoing conflicts.

Continued Conflict with Carlism

Don Carlos himself leads an expedition towards Madrid in late 1837 after traversing various regions, demonstrating persistent threats from Carlism despite governmental reforms.

The Carlist Threat and Its Aftermath

The Seriousness of the Carlist Threat

The Carlist threat is significant enough to jeopardize the survival of the liberal state, prompting Queen Regent María Christina to boost morale by visiting troops in Madrid.

Internal Crisis within Carlism

Don Carlos orders a retreat from Madrid, leading to a major internal crisis within Carlism, splitting supporters between negotiating with the liberal army and continuing the war.

End of the First Carlist War

The First Carlist War concludes with the "Abrazo de Vergara," where General Maroto (Carlists) and Espartero (Isabelinos) agree on terms that include maintaining local rights in certain provinces.

Continued Resistance Post-War

Despite peace in Vergara, General Cabrera continues fighting for another year until he is forced into exile due to pressure from liberal forces.

Impact of Civil War on Spain

After seven years of civil war, Spain is left exhausted with countless casualties resulting from hatred and vengeance. This period marks a significant turning point in Spanish society.

Emergence of Romanticism in Spain

Introduction of New Lifestyles

With the establishment of liberal politics, returning exiles introduce a new lifestyle influenced by Romanticism characterized by passion and imagination.

Freedom of Expression and Press Growth

The new liberal constitution fosters freedom of expression, leading to an explosion in political newspapers; over 100 emerge during this time, serving various political factions.

Role of Notable Publications

"El Español," founded by Andrés Borrego, becomes a prominent publication that engages intellectual discourse and shapes political debates across cafés and parliamentary discussions.

Political Tensions and Literary Reflections

Political Polarization

Political discussions become so intense that they sometimes escalate into duels; romantic writers express strong convictions about revolution as a means for change amidst rising tensions between parties.

Influence of Mariano José de Larra

Writer Mariano José de Larra gains popularity for his modern articles filled with irony; he critiques societal norms while reflecting on contemporary issues through his writings.

Cultural Perceptions and Foreign Influence

Romantic Travelers' Views on Spain

French and English romantic travelers explore Spain seeking unique experiences; their impressions contribute significantly to stereotypes about Spanish culture depicted in works like Bizet's opera "Carmen."

Legacy of Suicides Among Intellectuals

Larra's tragic suicide at 28 sets a precedent for others during this era; nearly 6,000 Spaniards choose suicide as an escape during these tumultuous times underlining deep societal despair.

Military Leaders' Dominance Post-War

Rise of Military Figures in Politics

Liberal generals who triumphed over Carlism become central figures in Isabel II's reign; leaders like Espartero are celebrated as heroes while being sought after by political parties for leadership roles.

Political Turmoil in 19th Century Spain

The Electoral Landscape and Taxation

Elections are often won by the party that calls them, with participation limited to citizens paying a certain amount of taxes. This restricts electoral engagement to a small segment of the population, approximately 100,000 Spaniards.

Progressive factions lower tax thresholds to expand their voter base, while moderates raise them to limit participation.

Conflict Between Progressives and Moderates

Following the end of the Carlist Wars in 1840, political battles intensify between progressives and moderates who are currently in power. Moderates aim to pass a law changing mayoral elections from local votes to government appointments.

This legislation negatively impacts progressives as they hold more mayoral positions. Despite strong opposition, Queen Regent María Cristina endorses it.

The Downfall of María Cristina

The military remains neutral during this political strife, leading María Cristina to realize her lack of support and ultimately choose exile over continued regency.

General Baldomero Espartero is appointed as the new regent; he is popular but struggles politically despite his military acclaim.

Authoritarian Rule Under Espartero

Espartero governs authoritatively with a close circle while excluding many notable figures from his party. He suppresses uprisings harshly, including bombarding Barcelona neighborhoods.

His oppressive rule unites both progressive and moderate liberals against him, culminating in an uprising in July 1843 demanding "freedom or death."

Transition of Power

With no support left for Espartero, he negotiates his exit with General Narváez. The Cortes declare Isabel II of Spain as queen at just 13 years old after deposing Espartero.

Symbolic Acts and Architectural Developments

Shortly after her proclamation, Isabel II lays the foundation stone for the Congress Palace on October 10, 1843—an event marked by significant symbolism linking her reign with national representation.

Social Changes Post-Liberal Revolution

As liberalism consolidates power, the bourgeoisie emerges as a new aristocracy while traditional nobility retains wealth despite losing some medieval privileges.

A new class of agrarian bourgeoisie arises alongside nobility through land purchases during disestablishment processes.

Economic Reconstruction Led by Bourgeoisie

In urban centers driving economic recovery under liberal governance are business-oriented bourgeoisie comprising financiers and industrialists who favor moderate liberal policies.

Narváez's Leadership and Reforms

Ramón María Narváez becomes president in 1844 for ten years; he aims to strengthen monarchy authority and centralize administration effectively.

One key reform includes establishing the Civil Guard tasked with maintaining public order—a shift from previous volunteer-based militias reliant on local governments.

This structured summary captures critical moments from Spanish history during this tumultuous period while providing timestamps for easy reference back to specific parts of the transcript.

Constitutional Changes and Political Dynamics in 19th Century Spain

The Rise of the Moderate Constitution

Following their rise to power, moderates initiate discussions for a new constitution tailored to their ideology, aiming to eliminate elements they oppose.

The 1845 constitution expands royal powers and shares national sovereignty between the crown and the cortes, while abolishing the national militia and municipal autonomy.

A concordat signed in 1851 with the Vatican restores privileges to the Catholic Church, allowing state support for clergy and control over public morality.

Economic Reforms Under Narváez

The moderate government under Narváez pursues liberal policies aimed at nation-building through uniform laws and centralized administration.

Finance Minister Alejandro Montero prioritizes direct taxes while maintaining regional privileges in Basque provinces to prevent bourgeois support for Carlism.

Infrastructure Development: Railroads

The inauguration of railroads marks a significant development; the first train operates between Barcelona and Mataró in 1848, crucial for economic integration across Spain.

Government initiatives promote railroad expansion through favorable legislation, reflecting an interest in modernizing transportation infrastructure.

Education Reforms: Addressing Illiteracy

In mid-19th century Spain, illiteracy is rampant; out of 15 million Spaniards, only three million can read or write.

Liberal leaders push for public education reforms, notably Claudio Moyano's law mandating primary education but facing challenges due to local economic constraints on municipalities.

Challenges in Implementing Education Laws

Many municipalities struggle financially to maintain schools; thus, education often isn't free as intended by Moyano's law.

Parents frequently withdraw children from school at young ages due to financial pressures, forcing them into work instead of continuing their education.

Political Landscape: Congress of Deputies

In 1850, Queen Isabel II inaugurates a new Congress building amid political dominance by moderates under General Narváez.

The Congress is characterized by a strong majority from the moderate party, leading critics to label it as "the family congress" due to its lack of progressive representation.

This structured overview captures key developments regarding constitutional changes, economic reforms, infrastructure advancements, educational challenges, and political dynamics during this transformative period in Spanish history.