Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies
At the beginning of the "década moderada", Queen Isabella II was only 13 years old; Maria Christina of the Two Sicilies was regent. Narváez began a series of reforms to strengthen the monarchy and centralize the state. He curtailed freedom of expression, put an end to the popular election of municipal officials, and eliminated the National Militia. In October 1844, to replace the National Militia, he created the Civil Guard (), a security force that has continued down to the present day under various Spanish regimes. The system of education was reorganized along lines proposed by Claudio Moyano.