Portugal and Spain in 1856: the unequal political development of peninsular liberalism

Abstract

1856 is a significant turning-point in the development of peninsular liberalism. While the first ministerial rotation was taking place at this time in Portugal, with the formation of the duque de Loulé's first government - which was to consolidate the Regeneração - , in Spain this was the year when the biénio progresista was abandoned. This was an unsuccessful attempt to encourage parliamentarian government and constitutionalism, and to take the political momentum out of attempts at revolution and military revolts.