Queen Isabel was initially adored by the public and the majority of the nation rallied behind her during the Carlist wars, which led to her side winning these.
But Spain was in decay. In 1810 a number of colonies were lost, another bunch went in 1821 and by the time of her coming of age the former Spanish Empire in America and the Philippines was reduced to Puerto Rica, Cuba and the Philippine Islands. It is unnecessary for me to tell you the financial havoc this wreked in Spain's finances.
Add to that a worsening political situation and an endless succession of increasingly weak governments which simply paralyzed the country.
The role pleyd in her fall by the Infante Antoine, Duc de Montpensier, was of extreme importance. Hungry for the throne himself, Montpensier used his vast fortune to secretly attack her sister-in-law the Queen and organize her downfall...but it back fired as he was never trusted by Spaniards in general and politicians in particular.
Isabel went into exile in 1868 and never again returne dto Spain to live. She was kept outside of Spain as much as possible since the political class feared her presenc ein Spain would only cause trouble. She was not happy in 1874 when the restored crown was given to her son, instead of returned to her.
Her marriage to the effete infante Francisco de Asís was another source of much discredit.
Arturo Beéche