María Cristina de Bourbon’s disruptive regency

Abstract

During María Cristina’s regency a harsh conflict emerged around the Catholic character of Spanish monarchy, being the origin of different legitimizing discourses. Liberals, that were the main support of the Regent, promulgated very important reforms in matters of religion, the most important being the nationalization and sale of religious orders’ properties. This policy was contested by the Spanish Church, the Papal Curia and an important sector of Spanish society –the carlists- that negated the legitimacy of María Cristina’s daughter to the throne. All of them considered that the policy driven by the liberals and supported by the Regent attempted against the Church and consequently distorted the Catholic character of Spanish monarchy. The conflict intensified because of the Regent’s personal behavior, accused of not respecting catholic virtues.