The abolition of fueros was not a single event but rather a prolonged process that unfolded in several stages. It commenced in 1839 and intensified in 1841 with Espartero's decree. Ultimately, it was finalized between 1876 and 1877, in the aftermath of the Carlist Wars.

One of the most prominent figures of that era was Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, regarded as a major adversary of the Basque fueros. His policies were instrumental in dismantling the foral system. His primary antagonist was Manuel Mª de Gortázar y Munibe, who, as president of the Interim Deputation of Bizkaia, defended the fueros against Cánovas.

These events transpired within the context of the post-Carlist War period. Bilbao, for instance, was bombarded in 1874, and the foral crisis developed amidst this challenging post-war situation. Cánovas sought to “compensate” those who had supported Alfonso XII's cause, which further strengthened measures against the fueros.

Fidel de Sagarminaga, a lawyer, journalist, and historian from Bilbao, served as General Deputy in 1876. He led the Vizcayan intransigence and founded the Euskal-Erria Society, which was a clear precursor to later Basque nationalism.