The Democratic Experiment: A Tumultuous Period in Spanish History
12.2. The Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874): An Attempt at Democratization, Revolution, the Reign of Amadeo I, and the First Republic
Following the Pact of Ostend between progressives and Democrats, the Liberal Union, led by General Serrano after O’Donnell’s death in 1867, joined the pact in 1868. The political climate was fraught with corruption, the Queen’s unpopularity, the discrediting of the moderates, and an economic crisis fueled by a high government deficit. Queen Isabella II’s sole support, Narváez, died in the spring of 1868.
In September 1868, Admiral Topete, backed by Prim and Serrano, launched an uprising against the Queen in Cadiz. The coup gained rapid support nationwide. Troops loyal to the Queen were defeated at Alcolea (Córdoba), and Isabella II, residing in San Sebastian, fled to France. The triumph of the Glorious Revolution ushered in the Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874), a period marked by political instability.
A provisional government, headed by Serrano and including progressives like Prim, Zorrilla, and Sagasta, was formed. Elections were called, and the resulting parliament was tasked with determining Spain’s future government.
The 1869 Constitution, drafted by the parliament, recognized national sovereignty and introduced universal male suffrage for those over 25. It also enshrined religious freedom, the right of assembly and association, and declared Spain a democratic monarchy. General Serrano was named regent, and Prim became prime minister, charged with finding a new monarch.
Amadeus of Savoy, son of Victor Emmanuel II of Italy, was chosen. However, upon arriving in Spain, Amadeo I learned of Prim’s assassination in Madrid, weakening his position.
Amadeo I’s reign (1871-1873) was plagued by instability. The political alliance between unionists, progressives, and Democrats fractured. Moderates like Cánovas denied the King’s legitimacy. The progressive party split into Sagasta’s Constitutionalist Party and Zorrilla’s Radical Party. Carlists resurfaced, launching insurrections. Republicans demanded radical reforms. Strikes escalated due to the economic crisis and unemployment. An armed uprising for independence began in Cuba.
Overwhelmed and disillusioned, Amadeo I abdicated. In February 1873, the parliament proclaimed the First Spanish Republic.
Despite good intentions, the First Republic quickly collapsed due to limited popular support and opposition from powerful economic sectors. Its four presidents—Figueras, Pi i Maragall, Salmerón, and Castelar—faced numerous challenges:
- A deep economic crisis and intense worker mobilization, including factory strikes and farm occupations in Andalusia.
- Carlist rebellions against the Republic, establishing a regency in Estella.
- The ongoing war of independence in Cuba, draining resources and causing casualties.
- Alfonsino conspiracies supporting the return of Isabella II’s son, Alfonso, to the throne.
- The Cantonalist revolt, an anti-capitalist movement primarily in Andalusia and Murcia, seeking to create small, nearly independent regional states. Cantonalism was brutally suppressed by the army.
In January 1874, General Pavia’s coup overthrew the First Republic, handing power to General Serrano, who ruled dictatorially. In December 1874, General Martínez Campos’s coup in Sagunto proclaimed Alfonso XII king, initiating the Bourbon Restoration.