Spain’s Revolutionary Period (1868-1874): From Monarchy to Republic
Spain’s Revolutionary Period (1868-1874)
The Reign of Amadeo I and the First Republic
During this turbulent era, Spain experienced five distinct political phases:
- Provisional Government (1868-1870), adopting the 1869 Constitution.
- Regency of General Serrano (1869-1870).
- Monarchy of Amadeo I of Savoy (1870-1873).
- First Spanish Republic (1873-1874).
- Authoritarian Government of General Serrano (1874).
In 1874, a coup d’état ended the revolution, restoring the Bourbon monarchy with Alfonso XII.
The Revolution of 1868: “La Gloriosa”
On September 19, 1868, Admiral Topete, backed by Prim and Serrano, launched a revolt in Cadiz. Revolutionary juntas formed across the nation, leading to the exile of Queen Isabella II. This revolution marked the triumph of liberalism over conservatism and the rise of civil society.
The revolutionary coalition comprised three political forces:
- Progressive Liberal Party (led by Prim)
- Democratic Party
- Liberal Union (led by General Francisco Serrano)
A provisional government, formed in October 1868, aimed to create a new constitution. Constitutional Courts, elected by universal male suffrage, showcased the democratic nature of the process.
The 1869 Constitution
This constitution, the most democratic of the 19th century in Spain, established:
- National sovereignty
- Extensive individual rights
- Limited powers for the king, with executive power exercised through ministers accountable to parliament
- Parliamentary oversight of government and budget
- Bicameral Cortes (Congress and Senate)
- Trial by jury
- A system for constitutional reform
Spain became a monarchy without a king. A regency headed by General Serrano was established, with Prim as Head of Government. While the return of Isabella II or her son was rejected, Cánovas del Castillo formed a party supporting the future Alfonso XII.
The Reign of Amadeo I (1870-1873)
Amadeo I arrived in Spain on December 30, 1870, only to learn of Prim’s assassination. His reign, marked by political instability and a lack of support from various factions, lasted just over two years. He abdicated on February 11, 1873.
The First Spanish Republic (1873)
Proclaimed on February 11, 1873, the Republic lacked broad support and quickly failed due to:
- Societal immaturity for such a drastic change
- Limited republican support
- Rapid succession of four presidents in ten months
- Increasing insurrections and revolutions
Four presidents held office within ten months: Estanislao Figueras, Francisco Pi i Margall, Nicolás Salmerón, and Emilio Castelar. Each faced significant challenges, including social unrest, cantonal uprisings, and the Carlist War.
Key planned measures included:
- Abolition of consumption tax
- Creation of a volunteer army
- Lowering the voting age
- Separation of church and state
- Child labor restrictions
- Abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico
- Drafting a federal constitution
The Republic faced numerous crises, including economic instability, military unrest, the Carlist War, cantonalist insurrections, the Cuban War, and Alfonsine conspiracies. Castelar’s authoritarian turn led to his removal by the Cortes. General Pavia’s coup on January 4, 1874, ended the Republic.
General Serrano assumed power, suspending the constitution and dissolving the Cortes. The Bourbon monarchy was restored on December 29, 1874, with the proclamation of Alfonso XII as king.