The Moderado Restoration and Democrat Conspiracy, 1856–1857

Abstract

The last months of the Bienio Progresista were marked by dithering in the Cortes over the new constitution, mounting Court and Army intrigue, increasing proscription of political activity and press censorship. The end began in early June with the closure of Barcelona’s progresista clubs by Military Governor, General Juan Zapatero. Espartero’s failure to defend freedom of assembly cost him what little support he still retained among advanced Progresistas and Democrats. With the Cortes suspended for a short summer recess, deserted by the only leader of sufficient notoriety to be able to confront O’Donnell, and no longer with any rights of public association, advanced Progresistas and Democrats returned to the politics of conspiracy.