The Restoration in Spain: Monarchy and Politics (1875-1898)
The Restoration in Spain (1875-1898)
Introduction
In 1875, the Bourbon dynasty was restored in Spain, bringing back some features of Isabel II’s reign, particularly concerning the political landscape. The major parties, now called Conservative and Liberal, were heirs to the old Moderate and Progressive groups. This period encompasses the reign of Alfonso XII and the Regency of María Cristina of Habsburg, governed by the Constitution of 1876. It was a time significantly impacted by the Cuban War and the Disaster of 1898. Despite economic growth, Spain lagged behind the major powers undergoing the Second Industrial Revolution. Restoration society remained characterized by backwardness, illiteracy, and unequal wealth distribution.
The Restoration of the Monarchy: The Return of the Bourbons
Following General Pavia’s coup and the dissolution of Parliament, a provisional government was established. While the Republic technically remained, General Serrano’s military dictatorship effectively ruled. Increased taxes and demonstrations halted Carlist advancements. However, by year’s end, Serrano’s position weakened as support for Alfonso grew among the middle classes and the army.
Prince Alfonso, advised by Cánovas, signed the Manifesto of Sandhurst, guaranteeing dialogue, a constitutional monarchy, and acceptance of political progress. Cánovas orchestrated the return to monarchy. Monarchist generals declared their support in Sagunto. The government resigned without resistance. Cánovas formed a regency cabinet and proclaimed Alfonso as King.
The First Steps of the Restoration
To restore the Crown’s authority, Cánovas appointed new monarchist governors and mayors and enacted repressive measures against the opposition. These measures were selective, as Cánovas maintained contact with Progressive and Democratic leaders, aiming for their acceptance of the monarchy and participation in the new regime.
The final campaign against the Carlists led to their defeat in Catalonia and the siege of Navarra and the Basque region, culminating in their surrender in 1876 (Somorrostro Manifesto). While Carlism was defeated, regionalist sentiment and the ultra-conservative, traditionalist Catholic movement persisted.
The Carlist War’s end allowed troops to be sent to Cuba. After two years of negotiations, the Peace of Zanjón ended the war in 1878, granting amnesty, freedom for Asian slaves, and legal reforms.
The Cánovas System: The Constitution of 1876 and the Turno Pacífico
The Political Foundations of the Cánovas System
Antonio Cánovas was the key figure of the Restoration. His primary goal was to establish the monarchy firmly, even above the Constitution. He viewed the monarchy and Parliament as the pillars of Spanish history. The Crown needed to regain the prestige lost during Isabel II’s reign. He envisioned a monarchy sharing sovereignty with Parliament, possessing extensive powers, and playing a central role in political life.
Secondly, the constitutional framework should accommodate all liberal tendencies, creating a system suitable for the old Moderates, Unionists, Progressives, and Democrats. He sought a lasting constitution that would allow different parties to govern, ending pronunciamientos as a means of seizing power.
Cánovas aimed to return the army to the barracks. The army played a decisive role under Alfonso XII, a “soldier-king” with military training. Cánovas’s ideal parliamentary model was Britain, based on two major parties alternating in power to prevent parliamentary fragmentation and ensure majorities.
The Restoration regime was highly conservative, both politically and socioeconomically. The Crown’s revival was driven by conservative politicians, businessmen, and military officers who shared interests and a vision: defending social order and upholding the monarchy as a guarantee of stability. This vision resonated with the middle classes, who associated the Sexenio Democrático with economic crisis. While these classes didn’t actively participate in politics, they widely supported the new regime.