The Sexenio Democrático (1868-1874) and the Restoration in Spain
The Sexenio Democrático (1868-1874)
1. The Revolution of 1868 and the Constitution of 1869
On September 17, 1868, in Cadiz, Admiral Topete joined forces with Prim and Serrano, leading to the overthrow of Queen Isabella II. The revolution saw the establishment of a provisional government led by General Serrano. This government introduced universal suffrage and convened Constituent Cortes in January 1869. The Cortes drafted the Constitution of 1869, which established a comprehensive system of rights and freedoms and declared Spain a monarchy with a limited role for the king.
2. The Reign of Amadeo I
With Spain a monarchy without a king, a regency was established while a search for a suitable monarch took place. Eventually, Amadeo of Savoy was chosen and became king. However, his reign was marked by instability. He faced challenges such as the Cuban rebellion, the Carlist uprising, and popular uprisings. Political divisions and frequent changes in government further destabilized the situation, leading to Amadeo’s resignation in February 1873.
3. The First Republic
Following Amadeo’s resignation, the First Spanish Republic was proclaimed. The Republic faced numerous challenges, including the ongoing Cuban war, the Carlist uprising, and the cantonalist movement. Internal divisions and political instability plagued the Republic, leading to its eventual collapse.
The Restoration (1874-1931)
The Restoration saw the return of the Bourbon dynasty to the Spanish throne with Alfonso XII. This period aimed to establish a constitutional and parliamentary system.
The Political Basis of the Restoration
The 1876 Constitution provided the legal framework for the Restoration. It established a system of shared sovereignty between the monarchy and the Cortes. The political system was based on a bipartisan system with two major parties, the Conservatives and the Liberals, alternating in power. This system, known as turnismo, aimed to maintain stability.
Opposition to Turnismo
Various groups opposed the turnismo system, including Carlists, Republicans, and Socialists. These groups held diverse ideologies but shared a common opposition to the established political order.
The Fall of the Colonial Empire and the Crisis of 1898
The late 19th century saw the escalation of independence movements in Cuba and the Philippines. The Spanish-American War resulted in Spain’s defeat and the loss of its remaining overseas colonies. This loss had a profound impact on Spain, leading to a period of national introspection and calls for reform.
In conclusion, the Sexenio Democrático and the Restoration were periods of significant political change and upheaval in Spain. While the Restoration aimed to establish stability, it faced challenges from various opposition groups and the loss of the colonial empire ultimately contributed to its decline.