The First Carlist War: A Spanish Succession Crisis and an Early Test of Liberalism

Spain in the 19th century was a land simmering with discontent. After centuries under the rule of the Habsburg dynasty, Spain had experienced a seismic shift in power with the ascension of Ferdinand VII to the throne in 1808. Ferdinand’s reign, however, proved turbulent, marked by ideological clashes and the eruption of the Peninsular War against Napoleon’s invading forces. This conflict not only tested Spanish resolve but also exposed deep divisions within society.

The death of Ferdinand VII in 1833 set off a chain reaction that would plunge Spain into civil war. The throne passed to his young daughter, Isabella II, under the regency of her mother Maria Cristina. However, this succession was fiercely contested by Carlos María Isidro de Borbón, Ferdinand’s brother and a staunch supporter of traditionalist, absolutist rule.

Carlos María Isidro believed he had a stronger claim to the throne due to Salic Law, an archaic tradition that barred women from inheriting the crown. He rallied support from conservative elements within Spain, particularly those who feared the growing influence of liberalism and its promise of social and political reform. These supporters, known as “Carlists” after their candidate, saw Isabella II’s reign as a threat to the established order and sought to restore a monarchy grounded in absolute power and Catholic dogma.

The First Carlist War (1833-1840) erupted in the Basque region of northern Spain and quickly spread throughout the country. The conflict was characterized by brutal fighting and intense ideological fervor on both sides. Isabella II’s liberal government, backed by the Spanish army and international allies like France and Britain, struggled against the determined Carlist forces who enjoyed significant popular support in some regions.

Key Factors Leading to the First Carlist War:

• Succession Dispute: The death of Ferdinand VII without a clear male heir ignited a dispute over the rightful successor. Carlos María Isidro’s claim based on Salic Law clashed with the established legal framework supporting Isabella II’s inheritance.

• Ideological Clash: The war reflected a broader struggle between liberalism and traditionalism in Spain. Carlists represented a yearning for the old order, while liberals sought to modernize Spanish society and embrace reforms.

• Regional Discontent: Spain’s diverse regions harbored varying degrees of loyalty to the Crown and differing social structures. This heterogeneity contributed to regional variations in support for the Carlists and the liberal government.

The First Carlist War was a bloody and protracted conflict. Key battles were fought in:

Despite initial successes for the Carlists, the tide began to turn in favor of Isabella II’s forces. The defeat at the Battle of Luchana marked a turning point, weakening Carlist morale and paving the way for eventual liberal victory in 1840 with the Treaty of Vergara.

Consequences of the First Carlist War:

• Consolidation of Liberal Rule: The war’s outcome cemented Isabella II’s position on the throne and ushered in a period of liberal reforms, although these were often met with resistance from conservative factions.

• Deepening Regional Divisions: The conflict exacerbated existing regional tensions within Spain. While some regions embraced liberalism, others remained deeply entrenched in their support for traditionalist values.

• Political Instability: The First Carlist War was just the beginning of a tumultuous period for Spain. Subsequent Carlist uprisings (1846-1849 and 1872-1876) continued to challenge the legitimacy of the monarchy, further contributing to political instability in the decades to come.

The First Carlist War remains a pivotal moment in Spanish history. It revealed deep fissures within Spanish society and set the stage for decades of ideological struggles and political upheaval. The echoes of this conflict can still be heard in contemporary Spain, reminding us of the complex interplay of tradition, modernity, and national identity that continues to shape the country’s trajectory.