The Tumultuous First Spanish Republic: 1873-1874
The Tumultuous First Spanish Republic (1873-74)
The First Republic was proclaimed after the failure of Amadeo I’s reign. Spanish courts established the republic, influenced by two main Republican factions:
- Unitarians: Advocated for a centralized Spanish state.
- Federalists: Supported a federal state, with each region having its own laws.
Proclamation of the Republic
On February 11, 1873, the National Assembly, dominated by radical monarchists, proclaimed the First Republic. This was seen as a radical solution to the monarchy’s failure. The new government took measures to prevent the spread of revolutionary republicanism.
The Difficult Stabilization of the Republic
The situation was precarious. Carlists threatened towns and cities, while Catalan Republicans pushed for a federal structure that was not universally accepted. Intransigent federalists demanded an immediate federal republic, leading to an attempt to declare Catalan statehood. Pi y Margall, the then-President, sought to prevent this, favoring a gradual transition to federalism. The Republic faced strong opposition from various factions.
Constituent Assembly Elections (May 1873)
Elections for the Constituent Assembly were held in May 1873. The extension of voting rights to those over 21 increased voter turnout. Republicans, particularly federalists, secured 87.9% of the seats and began drafting a new constitution.
Drafting the Federal Constitution
The proposed federal constitution broke with traditional centralization. The federation would consist of 15 mainland states, each with complete administrative, economic, and political autonomy, compatible with the existence of the republic. The courts would be bicameral, elected by direct universal suffrage. Senators, elected by the regional courts, would give the Senate a territorial character. However, due to ongoing crises, the constitution was never implemented.
The Cantonalist Movement
The Cantonalist movement, composed of extreme federalists, advocated for autonomous municipalities. Pi y Margall attempted to suppress the insurrection, but failed. Revolutionary juntas replaced authorities, and some regions even drafted their own constitutions.
Resignation of Pi y Margall and Repression of the Cantonalist Uprising
Pi y Margall, unwilling to use the harsh repression demanded, resigned. Salmerón replaced him but also resigned when asked to sign death warrants. Castelar succeeded him and implemented the death penalty. Castelar suspended the courts to act freely.
General Pavia’s Coup
General Pavia, commander in Madrid and a supporter of Castelar, offered to extend the suspension of the courts. On September 20, he closed the courts and justified his actions. Pavia’s troops entered the assembly, forcing members to leave and effectively ending the Republic. Serrano was reappointed head of the executive, but the Republic, lacking a strong social base, transitioned into a personalist dictatorship.
The Ten Years’ War (1868-1878)
In the 19th century, Spain’s remaining colonies included the Philippines and Cuba. The September Revolution failed to address Cuban aspirations for independence, leading to the Ten Years’ War.
“El Grito de Yara”
“El Grito de Yara” (The Cry of Yara) was led by independent leaders Máximo Gómez and Antonio Maceo. Lersundi, the Spanish Captain General of Cuba, repressed the independence movement. Spain considered selling the island to the U.S., but the U.S. preferred a solution imposed by force. Despite U.S. support, the rebels were defeated, and the Peace of Zanjón was signed in 1878.