1868 Revolution in Spain: Causes and Key Events

Posted on Jan 7, 2025 in History

Proclamation of the Provisional Revolutionary Junta of Seville

This is a Proclamation of the Provisional Revolutionary Junta of Seville, highlighting several important points:

  • The consecration of universal suffrage and freedom.
  • The absolute freedom of the press.
  • The abolition of the death penalty and tackling the criminal penal system.
  • Efficiently guaranteed individual security.
  • The abolition of conscription and the organization of the army and navy, based on voluntary enlistments with appropriate safeguards.

The central ideas are the breakdown of the dynasty and the construction of national sovereignty.

Key Concepts

  • Universal Suffrage: This is the right to vote for the entire adult population of a state, regardless of race, sex, creed, or social status. It is usually understood more concretely in the sense most linked to extending the vote to the adult female population. This text calls for the passage from a very restrictive census suffrage (1% of the population), marked by the 1845 constitution, to universal suffrage that is free and totally contrary to the system that was in force, without financial constraints, but requiring voters to be over twenty years old.
  • Deposit, Bond, or Editor: This refers to the absolute freedom of the press without the danger of receiving a fine for discussing subjects that were considered censored.
  • Rights of Doors and Consumption: These were the rights regarding the import of products from other countries, serving as protection for domestic products.

The 1868 Revolution and the Six Democratic Years

  • From 1863 to 1868, the Elizabethan Crisis was in effect, during which power alternated between moderates and unionists.
  • The Revolution of 1868 ushered in the Six Democratic Years (1868-1874). A provisional government was formed, headed by General Serrano, with Prim occupying the post of Minister of War.
  • The main task of the government was the dissolution of industrial revolutions, to convene the Constituent Assembly that would be validated by universal suffrage, and the liberals won. They created the 1869 Constitution.
  • After the interim government, Serrano’s Regency and Prim’s Government followed, in which the most important mission was to find a king for Spain. Economic reforms were undertaken, and Prim’s preferred candidate to become king was Amadeo.

Commentary on the Revolution of 1868

Causes of the Revolution of 1868

  • Political:
    • Crisis of the Elizabethan political system.
    • The discrediting of the monarchy.
    • The death of the two leaders of the political system, O’Donnell and Narvaez.
  • Economic crisis.

Key Events

  • Ostend Pact (Belgium) of progressives: O’Donnell and Serrano joined the progressives (Unionists).
  • Revolutionary Juntas (municipal control): Clandestine groups (army with central control) against the people.
  • The revolution occurred in early September.
  • Elizabeth was in San Sebastian, and the great leaders had been killed.
  • The revolution began in Andalusia. The Cadiz squadron, led by Topete, issued a proclamation: “Long live Spain with honor and down with the Bourbons.”
  • Battle of Alcolea: The first leader of Andalusia was defeated near Madrid.