Spanish Revolution of 1854

A Spanish uprising that began with the Vicalvarada revolt and brought the Progressive Party to power, initiating the Progressive Biennium.

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Moderate Decade: A period of Spanish political rule from 1844 to 1854 dominated by the Moderate Party. Its increasingly restricted politics helped provoke the 1854 revolt.
Vicalvarada: A military revolt near Madrid in June 1854 led by Leopoldo O'Donnell against the Spanish government. It was the uprising's opening armed challenge.
Progressive Biennium: A period of Spanish government from 1854 to 1856 led by progressives and their allies. It was the political period initiated by the revolution.
Manuel de la Concha: A Spanish general who opposed O'Donnell's forces during the Vicalvarada. His command represented the government's military resistance to the revolt.
Isabella II of Spain: Queen of Spain from 1833 to 1868, whose reign was marked by political instability. Her government faced the uprising that forced a change of ministers.
Baldomero Espartero: A Spanish general and politician who served as regent and later prime minister. His return to government gave the revolutionary coalition a leading progressive figure.
Spanish Constitution of 1856: A liberal constitution drafted during the Progressive Biennium but never promulgated. The revolution's reform program produced this unrealized constitutional settlement.
Antonio Cánovas del Castillo: A Spanish politician who drafted the Manzanares Manifesto in 1854. His proclamation helped turn a military revolt into a broader political movement.
Moderate Party (Spain): A Spanish political party that favored a centralized state and a restricted electorate. Its dominance before 1854 fueled opposition from progressives and military figures.
Spanish National Militia: A citizen force organized in Spain to defend constitutional government and public order. Militia mobilization supported the revolutionary movement in the cities.