Isabella was born as the eldest daughter of Ferdinand VII and Maria Christina. Her birth triggered a succession crisis as Salic law excluded female heirs.

Ferdinand VII died and the three-year-old Isabella became Queen. Her mother Maria Christina served as regent during the First Carlist War.

Don Carlos, Ferdinand's brother, claimed the throne. This sparked a civil war between liberals supporting Isabella and traditionalist Carlists.

Maria Christina was forced into exile due to political opposition. General Espartero assumed the regency amid liberal-progressive conflicts.

The Cortes declared Isabella of age at 13 to end Espartero's unpopular regency. She began her personal reign as constitutional monarch.

Isabella married her cousin Francis, Duke of Cádiz. The marriage was unhappy and Francis was widely believed to be homosexual.

Isabella gave birth to her first surviving child. Questions of paternity surrounded her children due to her unhappy marriage and rumored affairs.

A military uprising forced Isabella to accept progressive ministers. General O'Donnell and Espartero led a reformist government for two years.

Isabella gave birth to Alfonso, who would later become King Alfonso XII. His paternity was officially attributed to Francis despite widespread doubts.

Spain launched a successful military campaign in Morocco under General O'Donnell. The victory briefly boosted national prestige and Isabella's popularity.

Spain faced severe economic depression and political instability. Opposition to Isabella's rule grew among progressives and military officers.

A military revolt led by Generals Prim and Serrano overthrew Isabella. She fled to France, ending 35 years of Bourbon rule in Spain.

Isabella formally abdicated her rights to the Spanish throne in favor of her son Alfonso. She hoped this would facilitate a Bourbon restoration.

The Bourbon monarchy was restored and Alfonso XII became King. Isabella's dynastic hopes were fulfilled through her son's reign.

Isabella and Francis formally separated after decades of unhappy marriage. She remained in Paris while he lived in Spain.

Isabella died in exile in Paris at age 74. She had lived to see her grandson Alfonso XIII become King of Spain.