Spanish History: Restoration, Republic, and Transition
The Restoration (1874-1900)
The Restoration began with the return of the Bourbon dynasty under Alfonso XII (1875-1885). This period extended from 1875 to 1931. Cánovas del Castillo restored the monarchy and created a political system based on the alternation of two parties: the Liberal and Conservative, supported by the 1876 Constitution. This era of political stability was marked by corruption, with two distinct stages:
- The first stage, from General Martínez Campos’s pronouncement in Sagunto until
The Reign of Charles V: Imperial Power and Conflicts
Charles V (1517-1556)
Imperial Resistance to Power
Upon his arrival in Castile, Charles V (1517-1556) was met with suspicion. The Cortes of Valladolid in 1518 pledged him as sovereign but requested that the king cease the appointment of foreigners, not allow the output of precious metals from Castile, and learn to deal with his mother with due consideration. His acceptance by the Aragonese Cortes proved more difficult, but they ultimately yielded. Following the death of his grandfather, Maximilian,
Read MoreThe Restoration in Spain: Alfonso XII & Regency of María Cristina (1875-1902)
1. The Genesis of the Restoration (1875)
The instability of the Democratic Sexenio led the bourgeoisie towards conservative positions. Antonio Cánovas del Castillo orchestrated the return of Alfonso XII, son of Isabel II, to the throne. Cánovas aimed for a restoration based on public opinion, not a military coup. The Sandhurst Manifesto, outlining Alfonso’s conciliatory ideals, paved the way. General Martínez Campos’s pronouncement in Sagunto triggered the Restoration, proclaiming Alfonso king.
Read MoreThe Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
1: The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
The Spanish Civil War was one of the most dramatic events of the twentieth century in Spain. It resulted from a social, political, and religious crisis that had been plaguing the country since the end of the nineteenth century. The conflict lasted three years, from 1936 to 1939, and was fought between supporters of the Spanish Republic and right-wing military rebels under the command of General Francisco Franco. It’s important to note that the military were essential
Read MoreSpanish Labor Movements and Political Upheavals in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries
Anarchists and Socialists
Anarchists
In 1881, the Bakuninist Federation of Spanish Workers changed its name. Disagreements within the organization and repression led some to choose direct action against capitalism. Between 1893 and 1897, violent acts resulted in significant repression against anarchism. The rise in violence created a divide between those who supported direct action and those who preferred mass action. The latter group established worker solidarity organizations.
Socialists
In 1888,
Read MoreSpanish Politics 1976-2008: From Reform to Modernity
Political Reform (1976-1977)
The Political Reform Act
To carry out political reform, Adolfo Suarez drove the Political Reform Act, secured the support of the opposition, and held elections in 1977. The Act modified Francoist legislation, establishing popular sovereignty, a bicameral parliament elected by universal suffrage, and authorization to initiate constitutional reform. Put to a referendum in December 1976, the law passed with 94.1% affirmative votes.
Support of the Opposition
Suarez legalized
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