Spanish Political System & 19th Century Conflicts
The Cánovas Political System and its Characteristics
With the military pronunciamiento of Martínez Campos in 1874, the Cánovas political system arose. It was based on the conservative Constitution of 1876, the Crown, the moderating power of the army, and the support of the upper classes. The system’s objectives were to bring stability and order, end army interference in political life, and pacify the country. This was achieved through the end of the Carlist War in 1876, which produced the abolition of the privileges of the Basques, and the end of the Cuban conflict with the Peace of Zanjón in 1878.
The characteristics of Cánovas’ political system were fundamentally:
- Bipartisanship between conservatives (Cánovas) and liberals (Sagasta)
- Alternation in power (known as the “Pacific Turn”)
Other features included:
- Marginalization of the opposition (Carlists, Republicans, Nationalists, and Workers)
- Corruption and electoral fraud (rigging)
- Power and influence of caciquismo
Regionalist and Nationalist Movements
In the last quarter of the 19th century, regionalist and nationalist movements arose in Spain. They were characterized by being contrary to the centrality of Spanish liberalism, defending their own particularity and autonomy, and the right to recover their culture, language, and traditions. They strengthened their political character and influence after the crisis of 1898.
- Catalonia: The cultural Renaixença acquired a political character with Valentí Almirall and was strengthened with the foundation of the Regionalist League and the Bases of Manresa.
- Basque Country: These movements were a reaction to the suppression of the provincial council system. They started as a movement to defend traditions and consolidated with the Basque Nationalist Party.
- Galicia: A political character was not acquired until the 20th century.
Similar movements also emerged in Valencia, Andalusia, and Aragon.
Overseas Conflicts: Cuba and the Philippines
Spain had conflicts with Cuba and the Philippines. The causes of the Cuban conflict were:
- Political inequality between Cubans and Spaniards
- Maintenance of slavery
- Metropolis protectionism, which hindered the development of the Cuban economy
- Inability of the Spanish government to establish reforms on the island
Two political parties emerged in Cuba:
- Autonomist Party: Proposed autonomy for the island
- Cuban Revolutionary Party (José Martí): Proposed independence through insurrection and was supported by the United States
The Cuban War of Independence
The armed insurrection began in 1895 with the Grito de Baire. It was divided into three phases:
- Military repression by Martínez Campos and Valeriano Weyler
- Concessions (autonomy)
- Spanish-American War, which concluded with the military defeat of Spain
The Philippine Revolution
In the Philippines, an independence movement emerged, led by José Rizal and the Katipunan. An armed insurrection also occurred, leading to American intervention and the Spanish defeat at Cavite.
The Crisis of 1898
The loss of the colonies led to the “Disaster” of 1898. This was a political crisis, although the turnismo continued. It was also an ideological and moral crisis, with Spain seen as a “decadent nation.” New movements emerged, such as:
- Regenerationism: Advocated for the renewal of the political and social life of the country
- Generation of ’98: Offered a pessimistic vision of Spain