The 19th Century Political Turmoil in Spain: From Elizabethan Era to the First Republic

Posted on Nov 8, 2024 in History

1.4 The Elizabethan Era in Spain

The death of Fernando VII marked the end of the old regime and the rise of the bourgeoisie in Spain. Fernando VII had named his daughter, Elizabeth II, as his heir, but the Salic law prohibited women from inheriting the throne. This led to the Carlist Wars, a conflict between supporters of a parliamentary monarchy and those who favored absolute monarchy and tradition. The wars concluded in 1839 with Isabel II’s victory, but Carlism persisted among peasants in the north. The liberal bourgeoisie was divided into two factions:

Moderate Liberals

  • Believed in shared national sovereignty with the crown.
  • Limited voting rights to those with greater economic power.
  • Supported a strong monarchy with the power to dissolve parliament or the courts.
  • Advocated for the crown as a moderator between the executive and legislative branches.

Progressive Liberals

  • Championed full national sovereignty.
  • Held more radical positions.
  • Advocated for wider suffrage.
  • Rejected the moderating role of the crown.
  • Supported a free press.
  • Often gained power through pronouncements.
  • Included democrats within their ranks.

During this period, the Mendizabal and Madoz Disentailment laws were enacted. These laws led to the auction of church-owned properties to bolster the economy and finance the Carlist Wars. The sales benefited the agrarian middle class and facilitated the entry of the wealthy bourgeoisie into agriculture, but also impoverished many, creating a class of landless laborers.

1.5 The Sexenio Revolucionario (1868-1874)

This turbulent period in Spanish history presented both a democratic opportunity and significant challenges. It was characterized by:

  1. Anarchy and disorder.
  2. A failed political experiment.
  3. Attempts to establish a democratic system.

Reasons for the failure:

  • Internal divisions and lack of realism within the Left.
  • Limited political development.
  • Persistence of Carlism.
  • The eventual return of the Bourbon monarchy under Alfonso XII.

The 1868 Revolution

Gonzales Bravo’s measures against a political pact failed to prevent the revolution. Generals, including Topete, returned from exile, and the fleet revolted in Cadiz. The generals issued a manifesto and rallied support in coastal ports. Gonzales Bravo resigned, and the revolutionaries were victorious at the Battle of Alcolea. General Serrano entered Madrid, and the Queen fled to France. A provisional government was formed under Prim and Serrano, and a Constituent Cortes was convened.

The Constitution of 1869

  • The Constituent Assembly appointed Serrano as regent.
  • This constitution was the most advanced in Spanish history, guaranteeing universal suffrage, freedom of religion, education, press, assembly, and association.
  • Sovereignty resided in the nation.
  • A bicameral system with elections for the Senate was established.
  • The Cortes had the power to elect a king in the absence of a dynasty.

Amadeo I of Savoy

  • Prim favored a monarchy and, due to animosity towards the Bourbons, sought a different dynasty. Amadeo of Savoy was chosen.
  • Amadeo faced immense challenges and lacked widespread support. Prim was assassinated shortly after his arrival.
  • Amadeo respected the constitution but struggled to maintain order.
  • He resigned after facing opposition to his appointment of a Captain General of Catalonia.

The First Republic

The country was divided between supporters of a unitary republic (centralized state) and federalists (decentralized state with power shared between the central government and regional states).

Federal Constitution of 1873

  • Established a federal republic with 17 states.
  • Introduced a weak presidency.

End of the Republic

  • Castelar became president with dictatorial powers to restore order. He suspended the assembly and reorganized the artillery.
  • Pavia staged a coup, accusing Castelar of complicity. Castelar resigned, and Pavia took control of Madrid.
  • Pavia’s intention was not to end the Republic but to strengthen authority and resolve the conflict.