Spain’s Restoration: Monarchy, Politics, and Power (1874-1931)
The Restoration (1874-1931)
Cánovas’s Political System
Cánovas’s plan to establish the monarchy above political parties relied on a new constitution. Congress, divided between Catholic unity and tolerance, created a confessional state allowing private practice of other religions. The 1876 Constitution granted the king power to appoint the head of government and suspend individual rights, establishing a bicameral parliament. This constitution, in effect until 1931, was undermined by turnismo.
Turnismo and the Two-Party System
The Restoration’s political system, turnismo, revolved around two parties: the Conservative and Liberal parties. Both defended the monarchy, the constitution, private property, and a centralized state. Supported by the economic elite and affluent middle classes, the Conservatives, led by Cánovas, represented traditional society. The Liberals, under Sagasta, united progressives, unionists, and former moderate Republicans. Conservatives favored political stability and the Church, while Liberals leaned towards reform and secularism.
Alternation of Power and Electoral Manipulation
Turnismo ensured stability through a regular alternation of power. When the ruling party weakened, the monarch appointed the opposition leader to form a government, which then called elections. However, electoral fraud and caciquismo ensured favorable results for the incumbent government. The Minister of the Interior, mayors, and local leaders controlled the process. Mayors and chiefs received lists of approved candidates, and the administration ensured their election through rigged elections (pucherazo). This involved falsifying census records, manipulating votes, and coercing voters.
The Role of Caciques
Caciques, influential individuals or families, controlled specific districts. They exerted influence over administrative procedures and employment, holding sway over the local population. Their power was essential to maintaining the system of controlled elections and political manipulation.
The Canovist System
The 1868 revolution failed to create a stable monarchy or address social issues, leading to a disconnect between the masses and the ruling class. General Pavia’s 1874 coup led to General Serrano’s government, which aimed to end the Carlist War. Alfonsinos officials, linked to colonial business circles, pushed for the Bourbon restoration. Prince Alfonso, from Sandhurst Military Academy, issued a manifesto advocating for the restoration of the monarchy. Cánovas, though wary of pronouncements, accepted the situation when General Martínez Campos proclaimed Alfonso XII king. Cánovas appealed to the bourgeoisie to support Alfonso XII, initiating the Restoration.
Cánovas’s Initial Actions
- Supported the Church
- Suspended opposition newspapers
- Empowered the Church to censor writing
- Secured the Army’s support
- Addressed provincial and municipal concerns
- Made the king the key political figure and supreme commander of the Army to prevent pronouncements
Cánovas envisioned two parties alternating in power under the constitution, with census suffrage restored. Administrative centralism was reinforced by reorganizing provincial and municipal councils. Mayors in larger populations were appointed by the king, who also approved provincial and municipal budgets. The curtailment of Basque Provinces’ jurisdictions marked the end of the Third Carlist War.