Spain’s 1868 Revolution: A Democratic Turning Point
The 1868 Revolution: A Democratic Turning Point in Spain
5.1. Causes of the Revolution
The economic and political crises converged after 1860, destabilizing Spain under Isabel II. Unprofitable railway investments triggered a financial crisis, impacting the stock market and public debt. A coinciding industrial downturn, exacerbated by the American Civil War’s impact on cotton prices, further strained the economy. Poor harvests from 1866-1868 led to a food crisis, escalating wheat prices and widespread hardship. By 1868, diverse groups—businesses, industrialists, workers, and peasants—were disillusioned with the Elizabethan system. The government’s harsh suppression of dissent, including the San Gil uprising, fueled further discontent.
In August 1866, opposition groups formed the Pact of Ostend, advocating for an end to conservatism and the establishment of a democratic system. This pact, later joined by the Unionists, proved crucial to the revolution’s success, as it secured the support of key military figures.
5.2. The “Glorious” Revolution
On September 19, 1868, Brigadier Topete’s squadron in Cadiz rebelled, initiating the revolution. The uprising quickly spread across Spanish cities, with revolutionary juntas organizing the rebellion. The government, isolated and lacking support, collapsed after defeat at Alcolea. Isabel II fled to France on September 29, 1868. Initially, the revolutionary juntas and popular movements held power, transforming the military coup into a revolution that ended conservatism and Bourbon rule.
However, the revolution’s direction quickly shifted towards the goals of Prim (progressive) and Serrano (Unionist), who prioritized overthrowing the government. The aspirations of Democrats, Republicans, and the masses were largely sidelined. By early October, the Pact of Ostend signatories took control, dissolving the juntas and disarming the National Militia.
5.3. The Provisional Government and the 1869 Constitution
The Provisional Government, led by Serrano and Prim, implemented reforms, including freedom of press, assembly, and universal male suffrage. Educational reforms, democratization of provincial councils, and the emancipation of slaves’ children were also enacted. Elections for the Constituent Cortes resulted in a victory for the government coalition. The 1869 Constitution established a liberal democracy, guaranteeing individual rights, including freedom of residence, education, and religion. While maintaining a monarchy, the Constitution limited the king’s power, emphasizing parliamentary authority and an independent judiciary.
5.4. Economic Policy
The revolution aimed to establish a capitalist framework and protect bourgeois interests. The government adopted free trade policies, encouraging foreign capital and promoting competition. The peseta was established as the monetary unit, and efforts were made to address the chaotic state of the treasury. The sale of mining concessions aimed to raise resources and align with the liberalization agenda. The Tariff Act of 1869 furthered the shift towards free trade.
5.5. Frustration of Popular Aspirations
While the 1869 Constitution consolidated liberal-democratic principles, it frustrated the aspirations of Republicans and those seeking socio-economic change. The monarchical form of government, the maintenance of religion, and the unchanged socio-economic model left many dissatisfied. Republicans initially channeled this discontent, but failed uprisings in 1869 led to radicalization and depoliticization. The spread of internationalist and anarchist ideas marked a new phase in the organization of the proletariat and peasantry.