Cánovas del Castillo & His Political Thought: Restoration in Spain

Cánovas and His Political Thought: Restoration in Spain

Cánovas’ ideas reflect pragmatism and eclecticism. He meticulously prepared for the Restoration:

1. The Abdication of Isabella II (1870)

Alfonso XII, son of Isabella II, became the ideal candidate to occupy the throne after his mother’s abdication. Cánovas recognized the need for a candidate detached from the past to quell the prevailing spirit of revenge and desire to dismantle the work of the 1868 revolution. He convinced Isabella II to abdicate in favor of her son, resolving the conflicts with the Montpensier and Carlist factions.

2. Cánovas Leads the Bourbon Cause (1873)

In 1873, Isabella II entrusted the Bourbon cause to Cánovas, leader of the Alfonsine party.

3. The Sandhurst Manifesto (1874)

On December 1, 1874, the “Sandhurst Manifesto,” written by Cánovas and signed by Prince Alfonso, outlined the political program of the new monarchy. It advocated for a monarchical and conservative regime, emphasizing Catholicism, social order, and a functioning political system. Cánovas aimed to create a system that would overcome the issues of the past, including the exclusionary nature of the moderate party during Isabella II’s reign, military intervention, and civil war. He sought political stability and initiated a process to integrate moderate and progressive forces in Spain. The Restoration was imposed peacefully, without constitutional pronouncements or military action, in a climate of reconciliation and integration.

Gaining Military Support

During the Sexenio Democrático (1868-1874), Cánovas needed to attract the military. The Cantonalist rebellion had discredited the Republic, creating disorder and confrontation. The coup d’état of General Pavia was a missed opportunity for the Alfonsine cause, but Cánovas learned to wait for the right moment. He gained recognition and support from the army, a powerful force in the country. When Alfonso XII was proclaimed King of Spain in 1874, the army readily accepted him, and the government faced no resistance. Cánovas accepted the fait accompli and led a regency until the king arrived in Spain in January 1875.

Establishing Civilian Supremacy

Cánovas established civilian authority over the military, granting the latter autonomy and freedom in its internal affairs. He promoted the king as a symbol and figurehead of the army, transforming it from a political arm of conspiracy to a custodian of public order.

Cánovas’ Political Theory: Three Pillars

Cánovas’ political theory rested on three pillars:

1. Shared Sovereignty

The Cortes (Parliament) and the King were considered permanent institutions, forming the backbone of the nation. These elements constituted Spain’s “inner constitution,” the basis of power and legitimacy for the new system. The monarchy and parliament were deemed to be above any written constitution. The monarchy was seen as essential, unquestionable, and permanent. Cánovas ended the theory that the king reigns but does not govern, establishing a system where the monarchy played a central role.

2. Written Constitution

Cánovas believed in the importance of a written constitution to articulate political life. This text needed to be flexible, leading to the creation of the Constitution of 1876.

3. Bipartisanship

Cánovas aimed to establish two main parties that would alternate in power peacefully. He sought a system of integration to prevent any single party from monopolizing power. He believed that consolidating the Restoration required a new constitutional order that integrated as many political forces as possible. He convened a meeting of ex-parliamentarians to lay the foundations of the new political system. This meeting led to the formation of the Conservative Party under Cánovas and the Liberal Party under Sagasta.

The Legacy of the Canovista System

The Canovista system represented a step back from the liberalism of the Sexenio Democrático. The politics of the Restoration were conservative and authoritarian, although masked by a seemingly liberal constitution. Cánovas adapted the principles of Moderantism to suit the new socio-economic situation. Maintaining appearances and stability were crucial for him. While the system had elements of parliamentary democracy, it was ultimately a conservative and controlled form of government.