Spain’s 19th Century Political Turmoil: From Monarchy to Republic
1.4 The Intent of Economic Renewal
One of the objectives of the glorious era of economic policy reorientation was to introduce legislation that would protect the economic interests of the national bourgeoisie and foreign investors. Therefore, the economic policy of this stage was characterized by the defense of free trade and the opening of the Spanish market to the entry of foreign capital.
The Frustration of Popular Aspirations
The monarchical form of government angered those who aspired to a republican regime. The maintenance of worship and the clergy disliked many radical factions. The persistence of social inequality did not please farmers, laborers, and factory workers who were not seeing their situations improve. During the Regency period (1689-1870), there was strong social unrest, which continued throughout the administration. At first, the Republicans embodied much of the discontent, then several of these sectors were inclined towards more radical and internationalist ideologies.
A Monarch for a Democratic System
Prim was commissioned to probe the most suitable candidates for the vacant Spanish throne. Amadeo of Savoy, a man with a democratic conception of the monarchy, was imposed. On January 2nd, Amadeo was proclaimed king, and after being sworn in, dissolved the Constituent Assembly to start a new stage of democratic monarchy.
The Difficulties of the New Dynasty
The new dynasty had little support. The two-year reign of Amadeo de Savoie was marked by constant difficulties.
Permanent Instability
Amadeo faced opposition from the moderates from the beginning. They considered the new monarchy illegitimate and remained faithful to the Bourbons. They began to organize the Bourbon restoration in the person of Prince Alfonso, son of the queen. Cánovas was the main leader of this group. This option received the support of the church, especially after Prim’s decree that required the clergy to swear allegiance to the Constitution of 1869. It was also supported by the moneyed elite who opposed legislation against their interests: the abolition of slavery in Cuba, the regulation of child labor, etc. The Carlists rose up in 1872, animated by the expectation of placing their candidate, Carlos VII, on the throne. The rebellion began in the Basque Country and Navarre and spread to areas of Catalonia. It was a real danger and became a source of problems and instability.
Amadeo I also lacked the support of Republican sectors and groups that had popular support and who aspired to a change in the social system. In 1872, there were new federalist insurrections that combined the actions of the Republicans with international influences. Also, in 1868, the Cry of Yara initiated a conflict on the island of Cuba (Ten Years’ War). The uprising, led by some Creole proprietors, quickly gained popular support by promising an end to slavery on the island. The refusal of Spanish economic sectors with interests in Cuba thwarted the possibility of a peaceful solution. In two years, there were six governments and three elections. Finally, Amadeo abdicated in 1873 and left Spain.
The Proclamation of a Republic
Before Amadeo’s resignation, the Courts, as the depository of national sovereignty in the absence of the monarch, decided to vote on the proclamation of a republic, which was adopted on February 11, 1873. This vote did not reflect real support for the new form of government. Much of the chamber was monarchical, and the Republican vote was a strategy to gain time and organize the return of the Bourbons to the Spanish throne. The Republic was born with little chance of success. Yet, the Republic was received with enthusiasm by the popular classes, who believed that it was time to fulfill their aspirations for social change. Revolutionary committees were formed. But most of the leaders of federal republicanism were far from the revolutionary aspirations of the foundations of their own party. They dissolved the committees and repressed the riots. With the outlook pacified, elections were called for the Constituent Cortes, which the Republicans largely won.
The Attempt to Establish a Federal Republic
The Cortes proclaimed the Federal Democratic Republic, with Estanislao Figueras as President. In July, a draft of the new constitution was introduced in Parliament, but it was barely debated and therefore not approved. The proposed Federal Republican Constitution of 1873 followed the line of 1869 in relation to the implementation of democracy and the recognition of broad rights and freedoms. The most innovative aspect was the structure of the state. It provided that the Spanish nation would be formed by 17 states, including Cuba. These states would have economic and administrative autonomy, consistent with the existence of the nation. The First Republic faced serious problems that paralyzed government action. The First Carlist Insurrection, which began in July, extended through much of Catalonia and the Basque provinces. The insurgent areas began to articulate an embryonic state under provincial principles and encouraged regional languages and institutions.