progresistas

The term "Progresistas" refers to a political group in Spain. They were a faction of liberals who emerged in the 19th century, representing a lower stratum of the middle class. The Progresistas were heirs to the "exaltados" and were willing to use the discontent of urban masses to pressure the monarchy for political power.

Their main rivals were the "Moderados," who were upper-middle-class liberals, more conservative, and favored the prerogatives of the crown. The Progresistas' political instrument was the Urban Militia. They were prepared to accept the monarchy if it granted them office, but a more radical Democratic Party developed to their left, willing to depose Queen Isabella II. The Progresistas' influence waned as generals became increasingly involved in political machinery. In the context of modern Spanish politics, the term "minor parties" encompasses various smaller political groups operating at the national level, but "Progresistas" specifically denotes this historical liberal faction.12