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Isabella II of Spain
Historical Figures
Isabella II of Spain
The monarch who ruled Spain from 1833 to 1868 and oversaw the reign of the Moderate Party.
Born
1830
Died
1904
Nationality
Spanish
Profession
Queen
Life Journey & Timeline
Explore 12 key moments that shaped Isabella II of Spain's extraordinary life and lasting legacy.
1830
1830-10-10
Birth
Birth of Isabella II
•Age 0•Madrid, Spain
Isabella II was born at the Royal Palace of Madrid, the only surviving child of King Ferdinand VII and his fourth wife, Maria Christina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies. Her birth was marked by political intrigue and conflict over succession laws.
1832
1832-10-17
Milestone
Proclaimed Heiress Apparent
•Age 2•Madrid, Spain
Following the death of her father in 1833, the young Isabella was proclaimed heiress apparent under the Pragmatic Sanction, which allowed female succession to the throne. This led to the Carlist Wars.
1833
1833-10-29
Career
Becomes Queen Regnant
•Age 3•Madrid, Spain
At just three years old, Isabella II ascends to the throne after the death of her father, King Ferdinand VII. A regency is established, with her mother Maria Cristina as regent.
1843
1843-06-09
Career
End of Regency
•Age 12•Madrid, Spain
General Espartero's regency ends, and Isabella II takes control of the government at the age of thirteen, following a military coup that forced the regency to end early.
1846
1846-01-10
Personal
Marriage to Francis de Assisi
•Age 15•Madrid, Spain
Isabella II marries her double-first cousin, Francis de Assisi of Bourbon, Duke of Cadiz, in a ceremony arranged to secure the Bourbon dynasty's hold on the Spanish throne and to strengthen political alliances.
1847
1847-11-12
Personal
First Child Born
•Age 16•Madrid, Spain
Isabella II gives birth to her first child, Princess Isabel, who later becomes the Countess of Paris. The birth solidifies the royal lineage and brings hope to the nation, despite lingering political instability.
1856
1856-02-22
Achievement
Expedition to Morocco
•Age 25•Morocco
Isabella II leads a successful military expedition to Morocco, marking a significant achievement in her reign. The campaign, known as the African War, enhances Spain’s reputation and territorial claims in North Africa.
1868
1868-09-29
Career
Overthrown in the Glorious Revolution
•Age 37•Madrid, Spain
Isabella II is overthrown in the Glorious Revolution, a liberal uprising that forces her to abdicate in favor of her son Alfonso XII. She flees to France, ending her 35-year reign in Spain.
1869
1869-06-25
Milestone
Abdication in Favor of Son
•Age 38•Paris, France
Formally abdicating in favor of her son, Alfonso XII, Isabella II renounces the throne. This act aims to stabilize the country and transition power peacefully, though it does not immediately achieve this goal.
1870
1870-01-02
Personal
Exile in France
•Age 39•Paris, France
Isabella II begins her long exile in France, where she lives a life of luxury and continues to influence Spanish politics from afar, often through correspondence and meetings with influential figures.
1875
1875-12-29
Milestone
Return to Spain
•Age 44•Madrid, Spain
After several years in exile, Isabella II returns to Spain following the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy under her son, Alfonso XII. She resumes a role as a respected royal figure, though not as queen.
1904
1904-04-10
Death
Death in Paris
•Age 73•Paris, France
Isabella II dies at the Hôtel de Bourbon in Paris, France, after a long and eventful life. Her legacy remains complex, marked by both periods of stability and significant political turmoil during her reign.
Major Achievements
Discover the groundbreaking contributions that made Isabella II of Spain a legendary figure.
1
Queen of Spain from 1833 to 1868
2
Regent for her daughter Isabella
3
Exile and restoration
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Cultural & Historical Context
Spanish
Personality Traits
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Strong-willedDeterminedCharismatic