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The absolutist phase
Ferdinand VII rejected the Constitution of 1812 and the reforms proposed by the Cádiz Cortes so Spain returned to absolutism. Liberals were persecuted because of their way of thinking.Despite these, liberals organized pronuncamientos demanding the reinstatement of the Constitution but thei weren't successful. -
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The Reign of Fernando VII
During the reign of Fernando VII absolutism was restored.This period was divided in 3 phases -
The liberal phase
A pronunciamiento led by Colonel Rafael del Riego in Cabezas de San Juan was successful and the king was forced to restablish the Constitution of 1812. The National Militia was created to defend the Constitution and oppose absolutism.
Ferninand VIIfelt intimidated by the liberals and appealed to other European absolute monarchs to defend Spain against them. In 1823, the Holly Alliance sent troops that restored absolutism. -
The ominous decade
The return to absolutism during the last 10 years of Ferdinand VII's reign annulled all the legislation of the Liberal Triennium. Despite this, the political and economic problems in Spain led to the final crisis of the absolute monarchy.
The war against France maid Spain bankrupt so the privileged had to pay taxes.
In 1830 the crisis intensified and Isabella, the daughter of Ferdinand VII, was prevented from reigning but they created a new law to make it possible. -
1st Carlist war
Began in the Basque Country and the Carlists were defeated by the Liberal army of Espartero. Peace was signed at the Convention of Vergara. -
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THE REGENCY OF MARIA CRISTINA
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THE REGENCY OF MARIA CRISTINA
Maria Cristina supported the moderate liberals but then she was forced to support progressive liberals.
The leader of progressive liberals began the abolishment of the Ancien Regime.
A new progressive constitution was drafted in 1837. It recognised national sovereignty. -
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THE REGENCY OF ESPARTERO
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THE REGENCY OF ESPARTERO
Moderate liberals took control of the government. Maria Cristina was forced to step down and the progressive General Espartero was appointed regent.
Espartero's authoritarian ideas and his introduction of free trade measures that were damaging to the emerging Spanish industry created strong opposition. Isabella II was then declared of age in 1843, at 13 years of age, and she was proclaimed queen. -
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THE REIGN OF ISABEL II: (1843-1868)
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2nd Carlist war
Despite their defeat, Carlists continued to exist as defenders of tradition, with significant popular support and their own line of succession. Betwee 1846 and 1848 there were significant Carlist uprisings in Catalonia (Revolt of the Matiners) -
Social instability
Isabel II's public image was damaged. Because of this, new political parties who opposed the monarchy emerged.They cowere the Deocrats ant the Republicans.
I the last years of Isabel II's reign there was a major economic crisis. This caused extensive social unrest. -
Provisional government
In 1868 provisional government was formed to establish a democratic politica system. The Cortes drafted a new constitution based on democratic principles, and it was ratified in 1869. -
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SIX YEARS OF DEMOCRACY
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Amadeo I of Savoy
Amadeo o Savoy, who was from a liberal monarchy that had contributed to the unification of Italy, was chosen to take the throne.
Amadeo was supported by progressives, unionists and democrats, and the government introduced new measures to help economic recovery and Spain's democratisation process.
Many problems which cuminated in a war on Cuba forced him to abdicate and leave the country. -
The First Republic
In 1873 the Cortes voted to form a republic and ost of deputies were monarchists so they didn't support the new form of government.
The lower social classes were happy and the republicans prepared a programme of socal and economic reforms.
The Republic had 4 presidents but a series of problems made its proper establishment impossible.
In 1874 a coup led by General Pavía dissolved the Cortes and made General Serrano head of sate.
