Democratic Sexenio in Extremadura: 1868-1873
The Democratic Sexenio in Extremadura: Social Unrest and Peasant Revolts
The Revolution of 1868 brought about a significant change in rural areas. Following the military uprising in Cadiz, the Army of Extremadura remained loyal to Isabella II. In some parts of the region, groups appeared that sought to incite the people against the government that was operating freely. Once the troops were defeated, the revolutionary movement was accepted. Juntas were formed in all locations, seizing control of the situation in villages and cities. In each provincial capital, a Superior Board was constituted. The Juntas of Extremadura included popular demands in their programs, such as the abolition of conscription and consumption taxes. Throughout the revolutionary Sexenio, Extremadura suffered the occupation of farms and pastures by farmers. In late October, the Juntas were dissolved, and their members were integrated into the newly formed provincial boards. Soon, the establishment of a centralized republic was pursued. The republican parties in northern Caceres and Plasencia were controlled by the Guardia Civil. After the monarchy was restored, revolutionary Juntas reappeared in the towns and cities. The land problem became the main issue with the new political dynamic. In numerous villages in the province of Badajoz, farmers carried out violent actions, raiding and burning private properties. These cases were controlled but served to frighten the propertied classes. Finally, the Cantonalist movement was almost non-existent. The participation of the small canton of Plasencia must be emphasized. Carlism was present and developed around parliamentary and armed struggle.
Key Events and Concepts
- 1868: In September of this year, a military uprising took place in Cadiz, led by a group of generals. This would lead to the “Glorious” Revolution of September, which expelled Isabella II from Spain and thus began the Democratic Sexenio.
- 1873: The abdication of King Amadeo I of Spain led to the proclamation of the First Spanish Republic.
- Republic/Republicanism: A political form in which the Head of State is elected. The Republic is configured with the consolidation of the Liberal State as the political form where there is no Monarchy. Two models exist:
- Parliamentary Republic: The president is the head of state but not of the government.
- Presidential Republic: The president holds the head of state and government positions.
- Cantons: A canton is the name that defines an administrative division that enjoys autonomy from the government within a broader political organization, such as a Federal State. Cantonalism is the political movement that arose mainly in Murcia, Valencia, and Andalusia, with the purpose of dividing the state into federally organized cantons. Cantonalism was very important in Cartagena, where federal Republicans took over the city and the fleet anchored in the harbor.
- Constitution of 1869: Established a constitutional monarchy with the recognition of national sovereignty, which was embodied in a system of Congress and Senate and a broad declaration of rights. It introduced universal male suffrage and religious freedom. It was in force for almost four years.
- Juan Prim y Prats: A progressive military and political figure. He participated in the conspiracy against General Espartero. He gained popularity as a military figure in the Moroccan campaign. He went into exile due to a confrontation with the Queen, who refused to call liberals to power. In 1868, he led the uprising against Isabella II with other military leaders. He was appointed Head of Government and later assassinated.
- Amadeo I of Savoy: He was presented by the progressives to occupy the throne after the Cortes wanted to maintain a monarchical regime after the Revolution of 1868. His political action was correct, and he had to address all social and political sectors of Spanish public life. His only support was the progressive party, which had lost power after the loss of its leader. Amadeo abdicated, taking a minor reason as a pretext.
- Francisco Pi i Margall: A Spanish politician who was president of the First Spanish Republic. He founded and collaborated in various magazines. After the revolt of the San Gil barracks, he went into exile, returning to Spain after the triumph of the Revolution of 1868. He served as Minister of the Interior, replacing Figueras as president of the Republic, and ultimately had to resign.