Spain’s Restoration Era (1875-1931): Alfonso XII & the Cánovas System
The Reign of Alfonso XII and the Restoration in Spain (1875-1931)
The Restoration period in Spain spans from 1875, following the Glorious Revolution and the Democratic Sexenio, to 1931, with the proclamation of the Second Republic. It can be divided into two phases separated by the year 1898, marked by the loss of the last overseas colonies. The first phase corresponds to the reign of Alfonso XII and the regency of Maria Cristina of Habsburg. From 1902 onwards, a deep crisis emerged, coinciding with
Read MorePeripheral Nationalisms in Spain: Opposition to the Restoration System
Opposition to the Restoration System: Peripheral Nationalisms
Minority Political Parties
Besides the two major political parties that alternated in power, there were other, minority parties. These were legalized but had few members and received very few votes. They viewed the system as corrupt because they were excluded from important decisions. They were very active in academia and the press, organizing demonstrations against the regime. These parties organized during the reign of Alfonso XII and
Read MoreThe Spanish Restoration (1874-1931): Politics, Constitution & Key Figures
The Spanish Restoration (1874-1931)
Summary of Item 10
The last paragraph states that the courts reflect the political viewpoint, as noted and translated in the 1876 Constitution. Accepting the crown would not conflict with other courts. The table highlights the “turnismo” of Canovas and Sagasta through the voting boxes. In 1891, universal suffrage was restored in Spain. Sandhurst received 85% of the votes in ’91, and the other 25% two years later would be… It is this alternation of power that constitutes
Read MoreSpain Under Franco: From Stabilization to Transition (1950s-1970s)
Spain Under Franco (1950s-1970s)
The Fifties: Stabilization
Leveraging his anti-communist stance, Franco gained acceptance from the Allies and entry into international organizations. Key events include the 1953 concordat with the Vatican, granting the regime Catholic status while reserving the government’s right to intervene in bishop appointments. The same year saw agreements with the U.S., allowing military facilities in Spain and the import of agricultural products to stabilize prices, further
Read MoreSpain’s Political & Social Turmoil: 1902-1923
Spain’s Political and Social Crisis (1902-1923)
The Seeds of Crisis (1902-1917)
The period from King Alfonso XIII’s ascent in 1902 to the Primo de Rivera dictatorship in 1923 was marked by persistent political instability. Several factors contributed to this crisis:
- Alfonso XIII’s political meddling: The king abandoned his role as a neutral arbitrator and sided with conservative military factions, ultimately supporting Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship. This eroded the monarchy’s prestige.
- Division within
The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936): Rise and Fall
The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936)
1. Proclamation of the Republic and the Constituent Assembly
1.1 Crisis of the Monarchy
A revolutionary movement, designed to bring down the monarchy, proclaimed the Republic. Seeing widespread opposition, Alfonso XIII replaced Head of Government General Berenguer with Admiral Aznar. The new Head of Government was tasked with convening elections, announced for April 12th.
1.2 Proclamation of the Republic
The April 12, 1931, elections became a referendum on the
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