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The absolutist phase
Fernando VII enjoyed the support of the Spanish people, the Cadiz cortes and the absolutists. The Cadiz cortes hoped he would uphold the constitution of 1812, while the absolutists wanted a return to the Ancien Regime, as outlined in the Persian Manifesto. -
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THE REIGN OF FERNANDO VII
After the defeat of Napoleon in the Spanish War of Independence, Joseph was forced to leave Spain and Fernando VII. His reign was divided into three phases based on the events that took place in each -
The liberal phase
A period of political instability followed, as some liberal organised military coups designed to overthrow absolutism -
The ominous decade
in 1823 Fernando VIl asked the Holy Alliance for assistance. They sent a French army, the '100 000 Sons of St Louis', who defeated the liberals. Fernando Vill re-established the absolute monarchy and persecuted the liberals. There were more liberal revolts, but none of them succeeded. -
1st Carlist war
The war was not just about who would occupy the throne of Spain, but also whether to retain an absolutist political system or give
way to a liberal monarchy. Absolutists supported Infante Carlos, who represented the -
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THE REGENCY OF MARIA CRISTINA
María Cristina began her regency, the longest in Spain's history, by entrusting the government to the liberal leader Práxedes Mateo Sagasta and by granting freedom of the press and a generous amnesty to political prisoners -
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THE REGENCY OF ESPARTERO
In 1837, moderate liberals with increasingly conservative policies took control of the government. Maria Christina was forced to step down and the progressive general espartero was appointed regent -
Alternation of power between moderates and progressists
the alternation in power between the Moderates and Progressives. These governments were usually led by a military figure, such as Generals Espartero, Narvaez and O'Donnell. -
Social instability
I social instability caused by discontent among the peasants poor working conditions. There was also tension between workers and factory owners over increasing unemployment and low wages. -
Expropiations
expropriations that aimed to solve Spain's economic problems by paying the state's debt and breaking up large estates (latifundios) belonging to the church, the nobility and municipalities that were unproductive and did not pay tax. At the same time the crown hoped this policy would create a new class of landowners that would
support the liberal regime. -
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THE REIGN OF ISABEL II
Absolutism ended in Spain with the reign of Isabel II. She established a liberal constitutional monarchy, although it had its own special features. -
2nd Carlist war
The second Carlist War began during the six
years of democracy, when the Spanish throne became
vacant after the exile of Isabella II. The Carlists rebelled in
many territories and even formed a parallel government in
Estella until their final defeat. -
Provisional government
The Revolution of 1868 was triggered by the progressives and
democrats, who were joined by unionists and led by Admiral Topete,
General Prim (progressive) and General Serrano (unionist).
Revolutionary Juntas were formed all over the country. In September
1868, the Battle of Alcolea finally forced Queen Isabella Il and her
heir Alfonso into exile. The same year, a provisional government was formed to establish a democratic political system. -
Glorious Revolution
Glorious Revolution, also called Revolution of 1688 or Bloodless Revolution, in English history, the events of 1688–89 that resulted in the deposition of James II and the accession of his daughter Mary II and her husband, William III, prince of Orange and stadholder of the United Provinces of the Netherlands -
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SIX YEARS OF DEMOCRACY
In September 1868, the crisis of the monarchy led to the
'Glorious Revolution', an insurrection to overthrow Isabella II
and establish a democratic political system.
However, the governments that emerged from the
revolution could not establish a democratic
system. -
Amadeo I of Savoy
Amadeo of Savoy, who was from a liberal monarchy that had
contributed to the unification of Italy, was chosen to take the throne.
A few days before his arrival, his main supporter, General Prim,
was assassinated.Amadeo | was supported by progressives, unionists and democrats, and the government introduced new measures to help economic recovery and Spain's democratisation process. -
First republic
When Amadeo | abdicated in February 1873, the Cortes voted to form a republic. However, most of the deputies were monarchists and did not support the new form of government. The lower social classes were happy with the result of the vote and the republicans prepared a programme of social and economic reforms. The 1873 elections were won by the federal republicans. The Cortes drafted a federal constitution that divided the legislative powers between the central government and the federal republcs