Ramón María Narváez and his fellow generals…

Ramón María Narváez and his fellow generals have dominated Spain's domestic politics as representatives of the moderados between 1844 and 1854.

Their administrative, educational, and financial measures and the formation of the Civil Guard are lasting achievements; however, the generals cannot stabilize their rule on the basis of their constitution of 1845, a conservative revision of 1837.

The period is disturbed by a series of progresista military risings.

To the left of the progresistas, who are prepared to accept the monarchy if it gives them office, a Democratic Party has developed; it is prepared to dethrone Isabella II.

Never strong in numbers outside the towns, the Democrats have radicalized politics.

Orthodox progresista politicians are embarrassed by their extremist attitudes but cannot neglect their potential role as urban revolutionaries.

It is discontented generals, however, who successfully revolt in June 1854, led by General Leopoldo O'Donnell, a Moderate who espouses liberal sentiments.

The rebellious military oligarchs are prepared to sacrifice the dynasty because the queen and her mother favor a rigid court conservatism that effectively excludes them from influence.