Spain’s Six Revolutionary Years (1868-1874): From Monarchy to Republic
Introduction: Spain’s Revolutionary Six Years (1868-1874)
The period between 1868 (the Glorious Revolution) and 1874 (start of the Restoration) marks a pivotal six years in Spanish history. This era witnessed attempts to establish democratic liberalism, contrasting with the preceding period of moderate liberalism.
International Context
Key international events influencing Spain during this time include the burgeoning labor movement, the unification of Italy, and the 1871 Paris Commune uprising.
The 1868 Revolution
The 1868 Revolution, also known as “La Gloriosa” or “La Septembrina,” arose from political, intellectual, economic, and social upheaval. Initially a military coup led by Admiral Topete in Cadiz, it gained support from Generals Prim, Serrano, Dulce, and others. The moderate government resigned, and the Queen was exiled. Popular support surged with the formation of revolutionary committees comprising liberals and democrats. Key demands included universal male suffrage, abolition of certain taxes, social legislation, and administrative decentralization.
The Provisional Government (1868-1869)
Leaders of the Ostend Pact, particularly from the “Unión Liberal” and “Partido Progresista,” steered the movement and formed a provisional government led by Serrano. This government aimed to control the revolution, dissolving revolutionary committees and disarming volunteer militias. It also decreed freedoms of speech, press, association, assembly, and worship, and called for parliamentary elections based on universal male suffrage. The ensuing campaign debated the form of state, with the election resulting in victory for supporters of a democratic monarchy.
The 1869 Constitution
The 1869 Constitution established national sovereignty, universal male suffrage (over 25 years old), a comprehensive bill of rights, a monarchy, a clear division of powers, and state commitment to Catholicism.
Serrano’s Regency and Prim’s Government (1869-1870)
Following the Constitution’s adoption, Parliament elected Serrano as regent, who appointed Prim to form a government. Their main objectives were to unite political parties, develop legislation based on the Constitution, and find a suitable king. Significant legislative changes were implemented, along with free trade policies and monetary reform. The search for a monarch focused on a Catholic, liberal candidate outside the Carlist line.
Social unrest arose due to food shortages, unemployment, stagnant wages, and taxes. Republicans capitalized on this discontent, leading to an uprising in September 1869. An insurrection in Cuba, initially minor, escalated into a decade-long civil war due to repressive policies.
The Reign of Amadeo I (1871-1873)
Amadeo I arrived in January 1871, shortly after Prim’s assassination. His attempt to establish a democratic monarchy faced opposition from the aristocracy, landowners, industrialists, the Church, and Carlists. The Cuban conflict and the Third Carlist War further complicated his reign, leading to his abdication in 1873.
The First Republic (1873-1874)
: The Republic was proclaimed the same day he resigned Amadeo. The statement was made in contravention of the Constitution. The majority of deputies voted in favor of the Republic, naming as Chief Executive to Estanislao Figueras. Internationally, the Republic was only recognized by the United States and Switzerland, the rest of the states saw as a revolutionary regime that could jeopardize the stability of many European bourgeois and conservative.
Since its inception had the opposition of the political right and the Church, which joined the old progressive politics. Republicans were divided between unionists and federalists and among conservative Republicans and supporters of social radicalization.
On the economic side the Republic came at a time of financial crisis of the state and agrarian crisis.
Socially its supporters were few and with different interests. For the intellectual bourgeoisie, the Republic would bring democracy, individual rights and economic development for farmers and industrial workers, land distribution, reduction of working time for better wages and elimination of the fifth.
The consolidation of the Republic was very difficult and that during the year that lasted four successive Presidents: Figueras, Pi i Maragall, Salmeron and Castelar.
Figueras presidency (February-June): The main thrust of Figueras was to maintain order. The workers of the International Workers’ Association demanded the central government increased wages, reduced working hours, labor protection infantil.El government formed by radical Republicans and no one could agree on how the Republic, radicals wanted a unitary republic as Republicans sought a federal republic. Elections were held to decide what type of Republic would be implemented in Spain. This election was won by the federalists, but given that the failure was greater than 60%, it is considered that this triumph was not sufficiently accountable.
Pi i Maragall Presidency (June-July): The Courts, claiming the federal republic and elect as president Pi i Margall.La lack of consensus led to several legislative proposals were not approved, including the official draft Constitution of 1873 .The Constitution entered into force because the country went through a revolutionary process that eventually engulf the Republic. The main problems were the general strike proclaimed in Alcoy by members of the AIT, the revolt of the federalist groups in Cartagena, proclaiming the county and the Carlist reached the zenith of his conquests to reach positions in the provinces of Albacete and Cuenca.Incapaz to organize the state’s response Pi i Maragall resigned.
Salmerón Presidency (July-September): The Presidency of Salmerón heralds a shift to the right. The new president was proposed again to restore order. Conservative generals, and Martinez Campos and Pavia, got to go one by one suffocating outbreaks of revolt. Salmon resigned to feel morally unable to sign the death sentences imposed by the military.