Spain’s Restoration Era: Politics, Society, and Key Movements
Cánovas del Castillo: A Key Figure in the Spanish Restoration
Cánovas del Castillo was a monarchist politician from the Liberal Union and the leader of the Alfonsino party. He actively participated in the politics of the Elizabethan era but was not part of the administration that opposed the oligarchy’s interests. He secured the abdication of Isabella II and prepared for the return of the Bourbon monarchy.
The Sandhurst Manifesto: A Call for Reconciliation
The Sandhurst Manifesto, written after Cánovas del Castillo’s time and signed by Alfonso XII, embodied the conciliatory spirit of the monarchy as an alternative to the existing system. It highlighted the Crown and the Courts as fundamental institutions, attempting to reconcile Catholicism and liberal principles.
Turnismo: The Peaceful Succession of Power
Turnismo refers to the peaceful succession of government between the two-party system. It ended the era of military pronouncements through an electoral process involving the manipulation of elections, as those in power decided who would win.
Economic Concerts: A New Privilege for the Basque Oligarchy
Economic Concerts involved identifying a quota for businesses to pay contributions to the State in agreement with the government, in exchange for the abolition of Basque privileges (the main effect of the Carlist War). This constituted a new privilege favoring the Basque oligarchy.
Anarcho-collectivism: A Movement for Worker Emancipation
The anarcho-collectivist movement, associated with Bakunin, was concentrated in Catalonia. It focused on industrial action through general strikes, aiming to overthrow the system and hierarchy and achieve worker emancipation. They envisioned a classless society with collective ownership and management of the means of production, striving for better material and moral living conditions.
Anarcho-communism: An Individualistic and Extremist Approach
Anarcho-communism, based on the ideology of Kropotkin and Malatesta, rejected unionism and was more individualistic and extremist. It relied on constant ideological propaganda and was mainly present in Andalusia. It shared the same objectives as anarcho-collectivism.
The Peace of Paris: Spain’s Loss of Colonies
The Peace of Paris (1898) forced Spain to grant independence to Cuba under U.S. control and cede the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam to the U.S. in exchange for $20 million.
The Conservative and Liberal Parties: Pillars of the Restoration
- Conservative Party: The Alfonsino party, led by Cánovas, integrated the old moderates and unionists.
- Liberal Party: This party integrated the dynastic mergers and the left, reuniting progressives under the leadership of Práxedes Mateo Sagasta.
Caciquismo: The Manipulation of Elections
A Cacique was an influential individual at the local, municipal, and provincial levels, responsible for supervising elections. They ensured that the designated candidate, known as the “encasillado,” received the most votes.
Foundations of Repository: A Call for Catalan Autonomy
The Foundations of Repository (1892), written by Enric Prat de la Riba, advocated for autonomy for Catalonia, with its own government and parliament, albeit undemocratic, to exercise sovereignty in matters of domestic policy.
Basque Nationalist Party: A Reactionary Movement
The Basque Nationalist Party (1895), with its slogan “God and Old Laws,” represented a reaction against traditions and culture, economic development, and immigration. Race and religion were considered the foundation of the Basque nation, which was seen as noble and Catholic.
The Three Properties of Steam: A Catalan Workers’ Union
The Three Properties of Steam was a Catalan textile workers’ union without political affiliation or ideology. It had a strong presence in Madrid, the Basque Country, and Asturias.
Anarchism: A Movement Against Political Action
Anarchism was a movement opposed to political action. It was anti-state and collectivist, aiming to create a classless society that limited human freedom. Anarchists considered peasants and the proletariat as a revolutionary force.
Regeneration: A Movement for Political Reform
Regeneration was a cultural movement that aimed to provoke internal debate to resolve the country’s problems and transform the political system.
Reviews: A Critique of the Canovist System
Reviews denounced the despotism and corruption of the Canovist system, which had caused a rupture between rulers and the ruled. It was represented by Antonio Maura and Francisco Silvela.