Spain’s Democratic Experiment: From Revolution to Republic (1868-1874)
Spain’s Democratic Experiment (1868-1874): Revolution, Monarchy, and the First Republic
Causes of the Glorious Revolution (1868)
Marginalization and repression of progressive Democrats and labor organizations led to widespread discontent. The first elections were rigged and controlled by local political bosses (caciques). A coup was prepared in Ostend from 1866, supported by the army, progressive and democratic politicians, and revolutionary civilians. In September 1868, Admiral Topete revolted in Cadiz, receiving support from Catalonia and Andalusia. Popular collaboration transformed the coup into a full-fledged rebellion, resulting in Queen Isabella II’s exile to France.
The Provisional Government and the Constitution of 1869
Generals Prim and Serrano took over the government, tasked with pacifying the masses and establishing a democratic monarchy. The Constitution of 1869 expanded rights (including Habeas Corpus and presumption of innocence) and reflected the principle of national sovereignty.
- Representation: A bicameral parliament (Congress and Senate) elected by citizens held legislative power.
- Suffrage: Universal male suffrage.
- Executive Power: The King and ministers responsible to the parliament.
- Judicial Power: Independent judges with juries for specific crimes.
- The King’s Role: Proposing laws, summoning and dissolving parliament.
- Territorial Organization: Centralized.
- Church-State Relations: Freedom of religion, but Catholicism remained the official religion.
- Education: General and free.
The Search for a King and the Reign of Amadeo I (1871-1873)
Finding a suitable monarch proved challenging. Amadeus of Savoy, son of King Victor Emmanuel of Italy, was eventually chosen. Amadeo I inherited a country riddled with problems:
- His foreign origin led to distrust.
- His youth and inexperience were seen as weaknesses.
- The assassination of his protector, General Prim, just days before his arrival.
- Political parties were deeply divided on issues like the Church, slavery, centralism, and even the monarchy itself.
- Popular classes were also divided. Some were disappointed by the lack of radical reforms, while others opposed the King due to his family’s Catholicism.
- Carlists, supporters of the Bourbon claimant Charles VII, took up arms.
- The Ten Years’ War (1868-1878) raged in Cuba, fueled by the refusal to abolish slavery.
Overwhelmed by these challenges, Amadeo I abdicated in February 1873.
The First Spanish Republic (1873-1874)
On 11 February 1873, the Parliament decided to become a republic. For the problems we’ve seen in the reign of Amadeo I, should be added that: “The Republic was a regime of weak government and believe that few sectors of the Republican Popular sectors were becoming increasingly disillusioned and radicalized” There were groups openly hostile to this new regime: political conservatives and the Church’s first republic lasted 9 months and had four presidents:-Figueras: Republican loyalist. He had to face a real mess. Revolutionary juntas had been formed who wanted to cast popular cities mayors monarchists. The peasants demanded land distribution and invaded the estates by force. In industrial areas, the workers staged street riots strong. Catalonia Catalan Federal.Pi proclaim statehood and Margall: Federal Republican. Replaces Figueras in June because he had fled to France. This in addition to the above problems radicalized the position of the Federalists who wanted a federal pact set freely between different regions of the state. The conciliatory stance Margall Pi between groups and right-left movement caused the canton. Started in Andalusia and spread to different cities and towns. Proclaimed the autonomy of the regions and rejected the State Central. They claimed full independence with the establishment of their own institutions. Alcoy and Cartagena were few. The order could only be reestablished by the army’s strength. The president tried that and I realize this does not happen in July a draft constitution that provides for federalism. The discussions were very strong. Pi y Maragall was accused of causing the cantonal movement and dimitió.Salmerón: The third president decided to act tough and suppress the uprisings in the army. This earned him the opposition of the left in Congress, which together with its refusal to sign two death sentences provoked his resignation in septiembreCautelar: He took a swing to the right and put it against the majority of the Cortes. The fear of a new federalist insurrection causes on January 3 de1874 General Pavia carry out a coup coming into the courts with the army. Until December 29, 1874 General Serrano ruled a presidential republic. Achievement tidy but economic problems were acute. Queen Elizabeth II had left the rights of the throne to his son Alfonso XII. The Serrano government began the path of the Bourbon restoration.