Bourbon Restoration in Spain: 1874-1931
Introduction
The Bourbon Restoration in Spain began with the return of the Bourbon dynasty to the throne after the 1868 revolution, known as the Glorious Revolution. This period lasted until the proclamation of the Second Republic on April 14, 1931.
The first stage ran from General Martinez Campos’ pronouncement in Sagunto on December 29, 1874, until the death of Alfonso XII in November 1885. This period saw the consolidation of the liberal state.
The second stage began with the regency of Maria Christina of Austria.
The third stage, the reign of Alfonso XIII, reflected the system’s crisis and lasted until 1923, extending to 1931 with Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship.
This era restored doctrinaire liberalism and brought the conservative bourgeoisie and landowners back to power. Stability was a key feature from 1875 to 1902, marked by the long-lasting Constitution of 1876. The regime’s crisis began in 1898 after the war with Cuba.
Political System
The architect of this system was Canovas del Castillo. Key elements included pacifying the country, the 1876 Constitution, and creating parties for political alternation.
Return of the Monarchy
Tired of uncertainty, Spanish society supported proclaiming young King Alfonso and restoring the Bourbon monarchy. Alfonsinos gained support from the landed gentry, Catalan industrial bourgeoisie, fortunes made in Cuba, and the Vatican.
On December 1, 1874, Canovas drafted a manifesto signed by Prince Alfonso in Sandhurst, recognizing the constitutional system and rejecting retaliation. Martinez Campos proclaimed Alfonso XII king on December 29 after a military coup in Sagunto, against Canovas’ preference for legal means.
Canovas del Castillo
Canovas, a former minister of the Liberal Union, held reactionary and undemocratic political views, opposing universal suffrage. He pragmatically orchestrated the Bourbons’ return. Assassinated in 1897, Canovas favored shared sovereignty between the king and Cortes, aiming to renew the exhausted moderate program.
He proposed:
- Replacing Isabella II with Alfonso XII.
- Continued military assistance.
- A two-party system with the Conservative and Liberal parties, led by Sagasta.
Doctrinaire liberalism, conservatism, and defense of freedom were compatible with social order, loyalty to the monarchy, and rejection of democracy and socialism. Middle-class values included defending Catholicism, property, and family authority, with Britain as a model.
Launching the Scheme
The Regency Ministry, chaired by Canovas, prepared for Alfonso XII’s arrival, aiming to restore monarchical authority. It appointed new governors and mayors, imposed censorship, and closed Republican newspapers. Key goals included resolving ongoing conflicts.
- End of the Third Carlist War with the Somorrostro manifesto.
- End of the Cuban War with the Peace of Zanjon, granting Cuba provincial status and promising reforms.
Political Alternation
Canovas created a system of political alternation between the Conservative and Liberal parties to ensure stability and prevent military interference. This system, known as the Turno, aimed for economic progress benefiting the ruling classes. It functioned regularly until 1898, when the Cuban crisis weakened the dynastic parties.
Electoral Patronage and Corruption
Political leaders, or caciques, controlled rural areas through family connections and property, maintaining power through patronage and influencing elections.
Political Practice Until 1885
The Conservative Party, led by Canovas, ruled until 1881, defending social order and property. In 1880, the Fusion Party, later renamed the Liberal Party, was formed under Sagasta. In 1881, Canovas resigned, leading to the first Liberal Party government.
Maria Cristina’s Regency
After Alfonso XII’s death in 1885, Maria Cristina became regent. The Pact of El Pardo between Sagasta and Canovas ensured regime stability. The Liberal Party ruled from 1885 to 1890, introducing universal male suffrage in 1890.
Constitution of 1876
- Legislature: Cortes (Congress and Senate).
- Congress: One MP per 50,000 voters.
- Senate: Senators by right, appointed, and elected by corporations and major contributors.
- Executive Power: King appoints and dismisses the government, calls, suspends, and dissolves the Cortes, and has veto power.
- Judiciary: Courts.
Political Opposition
Carlists
Carlism split into fundamentalists and those participating within the legal system, mainly in the Basque Country and Navarre.
Republicans
Divided into factions, including Emilio Castelar’s historic Republican Party, Ruiz Zorrilla’s industrial group, and Pi Maragall’s Federal Party.
Labor Movement
Comprised of anarchists and Marxists.
Nationalist-Regionalist Movements
Colonial Wars and the Crisis of 1898
Cuban and Philippine Wars
The 1898 war followed uprisings driven by Cuban nationalism and US economic interests. The US intervened after the explosion of the battleship Maine, leading to the Treaty of Paris, where Spain recognized Cuba’s independence.
Consequences of 1898
- Economic impact: Rising food prices.
- Political and military implications: Political crisis and loss of military prestige.
- Regenerationism: Efforts to reform politics and education, led by Joaquin Costa.
End of Maria Cristina’s Regency
In 1899, Francisco Silvela formed a Conservative government. Alfonso XIII was proclaimed king in 1902.