The Tumultuous Reign of Amadeo I and the First Spanish Republic (1871-1874)
Monarchy (1871-1873): Amadeo I
The Revolution of 1868 and the Search for a King
The 1868 revolution in Spain led to the exile of Isabella II and the establishment of a provisional government. This government convened the Constituent Cortes, which proclaimed the 1869 Constitution, establishing a constitutional monarchy. The challenge was finding a suitable king. Spain, impoverished and politically unstable, sought a Catholic and democratic candidate. Amadeus of Savoy, son of the King of Italy, emerged as the chosen monarch, possessing a prestigious lineage and progressive Catholic views. Amadeus I became the first king of Spain elected by Parliament.
Problems of Amadeo’s Reign
- Lack of Support: The Savoy dynasty had limited support from the unionists and progressives, facing opposition from the clergy, army, and aristocracy.
- Political Neutrality: Amadeo’s neutrality on key issues and reduction of parliamentary pomp alienated potential allies.
- Carlist and Cuban Wars: The Carlist War and the Ten Years’ War in Cuba further destabilized the country.
- Republicanism: The rise of republicanism and the implementation of universal suffrage challenged the monarchy’s legitimacy.
- Bourbon Restoration: Moderates, loyal to the Bourbons, worked towards restoring the monarchy under Alfonso, son of Isabella II, with Cánovas del Castillo leading the effort.
The First Republic (1873-1874)
Proclamation of the Republic
Following Amadeo’s resignation in 1873, the Cortes proclaimed the First Spanish Republic, with Estanislao Figueras as president. However, many within the chamber voted republican as a strategic maneuver to gain time for the Bourbon restoration. The Republic faced international skepticism and lacked broad support, except from the USA and Switzerland.
Challenges of the Republic
- Lack of International Recognition: European powers viewed the Republic as a destabilizing force.
- Internal Conflicts: The Carlist War and the Cuban War continued, draining resources and exacerbating instability.
- Cantonalism: Several regions declared themselves independent cantons, further fragmenting the nation.
- Political Instability: A series of short-lived presidencies (Figueras, Pi y Maragall, Salmerón) highlighted the Republic’s fragility.
The 1873 Constitution
Despite its short lifespan, the Republic produced a progressive constitution, establishing a democratic framework with broad recognition of freedoms and rights. It included provisions for the separation of church and state, the abolition of slavery and conscription, and tax and labor reforms. It also granted autonomy to federal states, including Cuba and Puerto Rico.
The Bourbon Restoration (1874)
In 1874, General Manuel Pavía, with the support of the Civil Guard, dissolved the Republican Parliament. This act, met with little resistance, reflected the Republic’s instability. Shortly after, Arsenio Martínez Campos proclaimed Alfonso XII king in Sagunto. Alfonso’s ascension, guided by Cánovas del Castillo’s Manifesto of Sandhurst, marked the beginning of the Bourbon Restoration, promising a conservative, Catholic government and the restoration of order and stability.
The 1876 Constitution and the Turno Pacífico
The 1876 Constitution established a system of shared sovereignty between the king and the Cortes, granting significant powers to the monarch. Cánovas del Castillo introduced the turno pacífico, a system of bipartisan alternation between the Conservative and Liberal parties, ensuring political stability but limiting genuine democratic participation through electoral manipulation and caciquismo.
Nationalism and the Workers’ Movement
Nationalist movements emerged in Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia, initially focused on cultural preservation but evolving into political forces. The workers’ movement, led by the PSOE, sought social change through parliamentary representation, but faced challenges due to electoral fraud and the turno system.
Death of Alfonso XII and the Regency of Maria Cristina (1885-1902)
Upon Alfonso XII’s death in 1885, his wife, Maria Cristina, assumed regency for their son, Alfonso XIII. The Pact of El Pardo ensured the continuation of the turno pacífico during the regency.