Spain’s Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874): Revolution and Instability
The Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874) in Spain
Overview
This period represents the culmination of the liberal revolution that began in the early 19th century. It was left unfinished due to the identification of Isabel II’s system with conservative sectors of liberalism. This resulted in an oligarchy controlling the country, hindering economic and state modernization.
The era also saw a rise in political consciousness among the masses. Citizens demanded the extension of political rights, echoing the democratic revolutions of 1848 in Europe and the Chartist movement in England.
Causes of the Glorious Revolution (September 1868)
Economic Causes
- Economic crisis, unemployment, and starvation among the working class.
- A desire among the bourgeoisie to modernize the economy.
- Crisis in the textile industry due to the US Civil War’s cotton embargo.
- Railway construction crisis caused by unmet profit expectations.
- European market crisis leading to capital repatriation from Spain.
- Poor harvests in 1866 and 1867, resulting in rising wheat prices and hunger.
Political Causes
- Isabel II’s alternating power between Generals O’Donnell and Narváez under the 1845 Constitution created an oligarchic and repressive regime.
- The Queen’s perceived arbitrary rule through cronies and friends, disregarding the political system.
- Repression of dissent, exemplified by the Night of St. Daniel and the repression of the San Gil barracks sergeants.
- The deaths of Generals Narváez and O’Donnell weakened the Queen’s military support, especially after the San Gil massacre.
Left-leaning political forces (Progressives, Democrats, Republicans, and later the Liberal Union) formed the Pact of Ostend to overthrow the monarchy and establish a democratic state, preventing social revolution.
The Revolution and its Aftermath
The military leaders (Serrano, Prim, Topete) presented the Glorious Revolution as a coup rather than a popular uprising. The fleet’s uprising in Cadiz on September 18th was followed by uprisings in barracks nationwide, culminating in the defeat of royalist troops at Alcolea and the Queen’s exile.
A parallel civil revolution saw the formation of local revolutionary committees and armed militias (Volunteers of Liberty), demonstrating social politicization and a desire for political participation.
The military and volunteer boards were dissolved, and power was given to a provisional government led by Generals Serrano and Prim, who convened the Constituent Cortes under universal male suffrage.
Economic modernization measures included the Figueroa Tariff for market liberalization and the creation of the peseta. The 1869 Constitution established national sovereignty, universal male suffrage, a parliamentary monarchy, a division of powers, and a bill of rights.
The Reign of Amadeus I
With the Bourbons removed, Amadeus of Savoy was chosen as the new monarch. He faced rejection from Carlists, Bourbon loyalists, Republicans, the clergy (opposed to his dynasty’s role in abolishing the Papal States), and those who mocked him as a foreign king.
Prim, Amadeus’s main supporter, was assassinated days before his arrival in January 1871. Instability followed, with six governments and three general elections in two years. The Cuban uprising (Grito de Yara, 1868), supported by the US, and the Third Carlist War further destabilized the country.
Amadeo I abdicated after the government requested the dissolution of the artillery corps, which he refused to authorize.