Isabella II of Spain

Queen of Spain from 1833 to 1868, whose succession was challenged by her uncle Carlos María Isidro. Her reign was marked by civil war, military intervention in politics, and repeated changes of government.

Ferdinand VII of Spain: King of Spain from 1808 and 1814 to 1833, whose restoration followed the Peninsular War. His decision to recognize Isabella as heir set her accession against his brother’s claim.
Spanish Glorious Revolution: The 1868 uprising that drove Isabella II from Spain and opened a period of political change. The revolution deposed her after opposition to her government and the monarchy had broadened.
Baldomero Espartero: A Spanish general and politician who served as regent and prime minister during Isabella II’s reign. His military influence helped determine the politics of Isabella’s minority and early rule.
Carlism: A Spanish political movement supporting the claims of the descendants of Carlos María Isidro and traditionalist principles. It joined opposition to Isabella’s succession with resistance to liberal reforms.
Pragmatic Sanction of 1830: A decree by Ferdinand VII that restored female succession to the Spanish crown. It allowed Isabella to inherit despite the earlier Salic law invoked by Carlos María Isidro.
Spanish Constitution of 1845: A Spanish constitution that strengthened the crown and established a more conservative political settlement. It became the constitutional framework for much of Isabella’s reign.
Leopoldo O'Donnell: A Spanish general and politician who led the Liberal Union and served repeatedly as prime minister. His governments and political coalition became central to the later years of Isabella’s reign.
Isabella II's succession: The transfer of the Spanish crown to Isabella II after the death of Ferdinand VII in 1833. The succession itself was the central legal and dynastic dispute of her reign.
Carlos María Isidro of Spain: The brother of Ferdinand VII who claimed the Spanish crown after Ferdinand’s death. His competing claim made Isabella’s accession the trigger for the Carlist Wars.
Spanish Constitution of 1837: A Spanish constitution that established a liberal monarchy and a bicameral legislature. Its more liberal settlement contrasts with the conservative constitution adopted under Isabella in 1845.

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