Spain’s Democratic Sexenio: A Tumultuous Era of Reform (1868-1874)
Spain’s Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874)
The Revolution of 1868 and the Provisional Government
The Revolution of 1868, uniting opposition forces against Isabella II, ousted the Bourbons and paved the way for a new political system rooted in democratic liberalism. Opposition to Isabella II, fueled by economic crisis and a desire for deeper liberal reforms, culminated in the 1866 Pact of Ostende. This pact saw progressive Democrats, Republicans, and Unionists align against the Queen and her moderate government. The revolution ignited with a military uprising led by Topete, Serrano, and Prim, forcing Isabella II into exile. A provisional government, headed by Serrano, was established.
The 1869 Constitution and the Search for a King
A key milestone was the election of a constituent assembly via universal male suffrage, a first for Spain. This assembly drafted the democratic Constitution of 1869, enshrining national sovereignty, a constitutional monarchy, separation of powers, freedom of religion, and a list of explicit rights and freedoms. The task of finding a new monarch fell to General Prim, who selected Amadeo of Savoy. However, Prim’s assassination before Amadeo’s arrival left the new king with little support.
The Reign of Amadeo I and the First Spanish Republic
Amadeo I’s reign proved short-lived and ineffective. Lacking political backing, he abdicated in February 1873. This abdication ushered in the First Spanish Republic, a period marked by internal divisions and significant opposition. Two main factions emerged within the Republican camp: the ‘unitarians’, advocating for a centralized state with regional recognition, and the ‘federalists’, pushing for a decentralized federation of regions. The governments of Figueras, Pi i Margall, Salmerón, and Castelar faced numerous challenges, including the Cantonal Revolt. The Federal Constitution of 1873, intended to establish a federal republic with a president as head of state, remained a draft, never formally approved.
The End of the Republic and the Restoration
The Republic, weakened by internal strife and external pressures, was effectively ended by Pavia’s coup. The Bourbon monarchy was restored in 1874 with Alfonso XII, Isabella II’s son, ascending the throne. The Democratic Sexenio, while brief, represents a pivotal period in Spanish history. It marked the first significant attempt to implement democratic and republican principles, though its instability highlighted the challenges of achieving political consensus for such reforms.