Spain Under Alfonso XII: Politics and Reform
Alfonso XII’s Reign: Cánovas System and the 1876 Constitution
The reign of Alfonso XII marked the beginning of the Cánovas system of government, based on what Cánovas termed the “internal constitution” of Spain. This concept encompassed core ideals such as homeland defense, hereditary monarchy, individual freedom, and private property. Cánovas also established a two-party political system inspired by the English model, featuring only the *Conservatives* and the *Liberals*.
In the first parliamentary elections, Cánovas’ Conservative party secured a majority. Subsequently, the drafting of the 1876 Constitution commenced. This constitution was designed to be flexible, accommodating both major parties, with certain aspects left to the discretion of the ruling party. Key features included:
- The principle of national sovereignty, shared between the King and the Cortes (Parliament).
- The King held the right of veto, preventing certain laws passed by the Cortes.
- The King appointed the Chief Executive.
- The Cortes was bicameral, consisting of a Congress and a Senate.
- The type of suffrage was determined by the party in power.
- The state was officially Catholic, but freedom of worship was permitted.
- Recognition of all freedoms, but in a manner that allowed the Conservative party to maintain control without violating the constitution.
During Alfonso XII’s reign, a peace agreement was reached with Cuban rebels (the Peace of Zanjón). In 1885, the King passed away and was succeeded by his second wife, Maria Christina of Austria.
The Genesis of Alfonso XII’s Reign
In December 1874, Spain’s political situation was unstable. General Serrano had assumed power in an authoritarian manner, dissolving the constitution and the Cortes in an attempt to manage ongoing conflicts. Meanwhile, Cánovas del Castillo secured the abdication of Isabella II in favor of her son, Alfonso XII, who was studying at the British Military Academy Sandhurst.
At Sandhurst, Alfonso signed the *Manifesto of Sandhurst*, outlining his desire to return to Spain and the principles that would guide his reign:
- **Defense of the Monarchy:** He viewed the monarchy as the optimal form of government, capable of defending and integrating the rights of all social classes.
- **Collaboration with the Cortes:** He recognized the indispensable role of the Cortes in maintaining the parliamentary regime established during Isabella II’s reign.
- **Modernization:** He aimed to bring Spain in line with other European nations.
He concluded the manifesto by declaring himself a good Spaniard, Catholic, and liberal.
Despite Alfonso’s publicly expressed desire to return, General Martínez Campos staged a coup in December 1874, officially proclaiming him King. Alfonso arrived in January 1875 and retained Cánovas as Prime Minister. One of his first acts was to grant a broad amnesty to prisoners convicted of various crimes, including Carlists, who were released in exchange for laying down their arms.
General Cabrera, a Carlist leader, accepted the proposal. However, the pretender, Charles VII, did not, and the Carlist War continued until the Carlist defeat in 1876. Following this, some Carlists entered the political system within a conservative party. Cánovas also abolished all exemptions (both tax and military service) previously enjoyed by the Basque Country.