Spain’s Democratic Experiment: 1868-1874
The Six Democratic Years (1868-1874): A Failed Attempt at Democracy in Spain
The Six Democratic Years (1868-1874) was an attempt to create a democratic political system in Spain. It ultimately failed, primarily because of a lack of social support for a project too ambitious for a country where the vast majority of the population were still illiterate farmers with a conservative mentality, who had no interest in politics or had experienced improvements in these years. It was, however, the period of the nineteenth century in which Catalonia had more influence in the history of Spain.
The Revolution of 1868 and the Provisional Government
In early 1868, Spain suffered from a widespread economic and social crisis. In September, the squadron came out against the government of Isabel II, demanding the end of the Bourbon monarchy, the country’s democratization, and the abolition of the fifths of consumption. The military uprising lasted without much resistance, while popular revolts burst in many cities, which together constituted a revolution. The queen was forced into exile in France.
During some weeks, the juntas assumed leadership of the uprising, but later the leaders of the Unionists (Serrano) and Progressives (Prim) formed a provisional government, which excluded the most radical sectors (Democrats and Republicans). The provisional government called elections to a Constituent Assembly. They adopted the Constitution of 1869, which established a parliamentary monarchy and proclaimed sovereignty and universal suffrage for men, plus a comprehensive declaration of rights and freedoms (of residence, education, worship, etc.).
Economic Policy and Social Unrest
In economic policy, the metric system was adopted, the monetary system was unified (creation of the peseta), a universal personal tax was created (to replace consumption), and free-trade measures were taken. The new regime, however, did not meet the demands of peasants and workers, who were radicalized; the First International (AIT) was legalized, although its influence was minimal.
The Reign of Amadeus of Savoy and the First Republic
Amadeus of Savoy was elected as the new democratic monarch in 1871. He faced opposition from Carlists, the moderates, and the Church, which remained faithful to the Bourbons, Republicans, and associations of farmers and workers who were claiming social improvements. After two years of constant difficulties, he renounced the throne.
The Courts, with a monarchical majority, proclaimed the Republic in 1873. This had the support of urban working classes and of a part of the worker and peasant movement. During the term of the first President, Estanislao Figueres, independent federal radicals formed cantons in many towns in Andalusia and Valencia, with the support of artisans, shopkeepers, and employees. Figueres resigned.
He was succeeded by Francisco Pi i Margall, then Nicolás Salmerón, who began military action against cantonalism, and finally Emilio Castelar, a conservative Republican. The Republic also faced two simultaneous conflicts: the Third Carlist War (1872-1876) and the first Cuban War that began in 1868.
The Bourbon Restoration
After a military coup in January 1874 and a month of Republican authoritarian government led by General Serrano, there was a new military ruling in Sagunto in December 1874 that restored the monarchy. Alfonso XII, son of Elizabeth II, was proclaimed King of Spain. This marked the beginning of the Restoration, during which a conservative liberal regime was strengthened.