Regency of María Cristina (1885-1902): Politics, Regionalism, and Nationalism
The Regency of María Cristina (1885–1902)
Political Developments
Upon the death of Alfonso XII, his second wife, María Cristina, assumed the regency with the support of the dynastic parties and signed the Pact of Pardo. She empowered the Liberals between 1885 and 1890, leading to the liberalization of the regime and the development of several reforms. The Commercial Code and Civil Code were approved, aligning the law with the principles of economic and political liberalism. Social reforms included
Read MoreRenaissance Architecture in Spain: Styles and Evolution
Renaissance Architecture in Spain
The Emergence of the Renaissance in Spain: Chronology and Historical Context
Spain maintained strong relations with Italy due to the numerous campaigns waged by Ferdinand of Aragon, the Crown of Aragon’s dominion over Naples and Sicily, and the continuous exchange of artists and materials between the Italian states and the Hispanic monarchy. This allowed the essence of the Renaissance to be assimilated by the end of the 15th century and spread throughout the 16th
Read MoreThe Restoration System in Spain (1875-1898)
Overview
The Restoration period (1875-1898) is viewed differently by historians. Some see it as a time of institutional stability and peaceful coexistence compared to the turbulent decades prior. Others criticize it as a sham democracy, lacking genuine parliamentary representation and based on agreements between dynastic parties.
The Cánovas System
Antonio Cánovas del Castillo orchestrated the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy. He aimed to reconcile with forces from the 1868 revolution. His system
Read More19th Century Spanish Nationalism & Politics: Restoration, Regency, and More
Restoration and the Rise of Nationalism
Catalan Nationalism
The Catalan nationalist movement’s growth during the Restoration period is intertwined with economic development. Several factors contributed to this rise:
- The Catalan bourgeoisie, initially hopeful for power during the Six Years’ War, shifted away from the central government and towards nationalist ideals.
- The Renaixença, a cultural movement, championed the Catalan language and criticized the government’s centralist policies.
- Early nationalist
The Reign of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain
The Problem of Unity in the Iberian Peninsula
The Iberian Christian kingdoms consisted of four entities: the Crown of Aragon, Navarre, Portugal, and Castile. Castile, demographically and territorially dominant, suffered a severe political crisis during the reign of Henry IV. Isabella I succeeded to the Castilian throne, contesting Juana la Beltraneja’s claim. To strengthen their position and unite the Crown of Aragon with Castile, Isabella married Ferdinand II of Aragon.
The death of the monarch
Read MoreThe Democratic Sexenio and the Search for Stability in Spain (1868-1873)
1. The Democratic Sexenio (1868-1873)
The Revolution of 1868 (“The Glorious”) and the Provisional Government (1868-1870)
The revolution was a conspiracy led by General Prim, with collaborators like Serrano and Topete. The naval revolt began in Cadiz, followed by pronouncements from other generals. Topete initiated the uprising, and events unfolded rapidly. A revolutionary council appointed Prim, who took control of Cadiz. Revolutionary boards emerged across the country, including Seville, Malaga,
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