The Democratic Sexenio and the Search for Stability in Spain (1868-1873)
1. The Democratic Sexenio (1868-1873)
The Revolution of 1868 (“The Glorious”) and the Provisional Government (1868-1870)
The revolution was a conspiracy led by General Prim, with collaborators like Serrano and Topete. The naval revolt began in Cadiz, followed by pronouncements from other generals. Topete initiated the uprising, and events unfolded rapidly. A revolutionary council appointed Prim, who took control of Cadiz. Revolutionary boards emerged across the country, including Seville, Malaga, and Cartagena.
Forces loyal to Queen Isabella II attempted resistance but were defeated at Alcolea. The government resigned, and the Queen went into exile in France. In early October, a Provisional Government headed by General Serrano was formed in Madrid, with Prim in the War Ministry.
The Provisional Government faced a complex situation. Its first task was to eliminate the dual power caused by the revolutionary boards. Under the guise of reorganization, Prim disbanded the militias known as the Volunteers of Liberty. The harsh measures divided the revolutionary movement between those who supported the new government and those who felt betrayed.
The Provisional Government’s Work
Economic Work:
Finance Minister Laureano Figuerola implemented progressive liberalization measures. The peseta became the single currency, creating a unified internal market. Liberal principles were applied to foreign trade by lowering tariffs. The Mining Act of 1868, known as the Desamortización of the Subsoil, allowed the sale and exploitation of mines.
Political Work:
With the boards dissolved, the government focused on reforming the political system and convening a Constituent Cortes. Spain’s first election based on universal male suffrage was held in February 1869. The new Cortes included Carlists, Alfonsinos, Prim’s coalition government (Unionists, Progressives, and Democrats), and the Republican Party.
The Cortes drafted the Constitution of 1869, promulgated in June, with 12 Titles and 112 articles. It proclaimed national sovereignty, established a separation of powers (legislative, executive, and judicial), and adopted a parliamentary system. The Constitution also recognized individual rights and freedom of religion, while acknowledging the Catholic Church.
2. The Constitutional Monarchy
After the approval of the 1869 Constitution, which established a monarchy, the search for a king began. The choice of monarchy divided the Democrats, with some favoring a republic. The question of the new king also divided the ruling coalition, as each group had its own candidate.
Prim’s preferred candidate, Leopold of Hohenzollern, was rejected due to French opposition. Isabella II’s brother, the Duke of Montpensier, was also ruled out. Isabella II’s son, Alfonso, was considered too young. Cánovas del Castillo began to form an Alfonsino party to defend the future Alfonso XII’s rights.
In late October 1870, Amadeus of Savoy, Duke of Aosta, accepted the nomination and was proclaimed king after a vote in the Cortes. However, Prim’s assassination in December 1870 left the new monarch without his main supporter.
Amadeus I reigned from January 1871 to February 1873. His short reign was marked by political disunity and instability, with repeated general elections and seven different governments. He faced opposition from Carlists, Alfonsinos, and Republicans. The Ten Years’ War in Cuba and the debate over slavery in the colonies added to the challenges.
The main cause of Amadeus I’s downfall was the disintegration of the governing coalition, leading to constant government crises. The Progressive Party split into the Constitutional Party and the Radical Party. Facing conflicts with the Cortes, the army, and the government, Amadeus I abdicated in February 1873.
The same day, the Cortes declared a republic, despite republicans being a minority. The reasons for this decision remain debated, but factors include a volatile social environment, ongoing wars, the perceived failure of the “democratic” monarchy, and political opportunism.