Hi-
I’ve been asked by a co-worker what the Spanish word “carlismo” means. It’s not in the Spanish dictionaries I’ve checked. Any ideas?
Thanks.
In 1833, Ferdinand VII, King of Spain died, leaving only two daughters, the elder of whom ascended the throne as Isabella II. To assure their succession, he had had the Salic Law set aside. Various issues, such as liberalism vs. conservativism and a strong sense of distaste for the princesses’ morals, lay as subtext for the widespread dissatisfaction with Isabella. Her uncle, Don Carlos, who would have been Ferdinand’s heir if the Salic Law remained in effect, revolted, but was put down after seven years of civil war. Ongoing pretenders from the Carlist line continued to trouble Spanish politics for much of the 19th Century.
A Carlist was a supporter of Don Carlos, and the movement to supplant Isabella with him was Carlismo.