The Democratic Presidential Term and the Crisis of the Spanish Monarchy (1866-1874)
The Crisis of the Elizabethan Monarchy (1866)
The democratic presidential term is preceded by a crisis of the Elizabethan monarchy motivated by economic and political factors.
The main economic factor in 1866 was a financial and industrial crisis that slowed previous growth, generated higher crop prices, and resulted in social unrest.
Political factors included the veto of progressive policies, unionists departing from conservatives after the uprising of San Gil, and government corruption (opposed by the people).
Finally, the monarchy was isolated, supported only by the army, the nobility, and the gentry.
The Revolution of 1868 (“Glorious Revolution”)
Against this backdrop, progressives, Democrats, and unionists (after O’Donnell’s death) joined and signed the Covenant of Ostend, aiming to end the Elizabethan regime and build a new republic or monarchy.
In 1868, the “Glorious Revolution” began, carried out by military elites, intellectuals, and political and economic figures. It started as a military coup with popular support and little bloodshed.
Generals Prim (progressive) and Serrano (unionist), and Admiral Topete (who raised the fleet in Cadiz), led the revolution. They drafted an edict called “Spain with Honor,” outlining their reasons and objectives:
- Expulsion of Isabel II from Spain
- Creation of a provisional government representing all political powers
- Convening of a Constituent Assembly by universal male suffrage
This revolution had great popular support, with civilian revolutionary committees organized in many cities.
Elizabeth II countered with loyal troops led by General Novaliches, but they were defeated by General Serrano.
A provisional government was created with Serrano as Regent and Prim as president. Militias were disbanded.
The Constituent Assembly and the Search for a Monarch
The Constituent Assembly elections had a 70% turnout, with progressives winning. The 1869 constitution recognized broad rights (expression, assembly, association, justice, teaching, and religion) but maintained a Catholic state.
National sovereignty was recognized, and the state was monarchist, but legislative power resided entirely in the courts, and the king had no veto power. Courts were bicameral (Congress and Senate) and elected by universal male suffrage.
The search for a new monarch included several candidates:
- King Ferdinand of Coburg (Portuguese): Refused due to old age
- Duke Antonio de Montpensier (son of the late king’s brother and Isabel II)
- Leopold of Hohenzollern (German): Opposed by Napoleon III
- Amedeo of Savoy (son of the King of Italy)
The courts elected Amedeo and proclaimed him king in 1870.
The Reign of Amedeo I (1870-1872)
Amedeo favored a democratic monarchy and belonged to a popular European family. He arrived in Spain in 1870, three days after General Prim’s assassination.
Though well-intentioned, he was unfamiliar with Spanish customs and politics. He had the support of progressives and unionists but faced opposition from moderates, Republicans, Carlists, Bourbons, the aristocracy, the Church (due to his father’s conflict with the Pope), and the people (who considered him a foreign monarch).
The problems he faced included:
- Property issues affecting public finances
- Reactivation of Carlism in the north
- The Cuban War of Independence
- The labor movement (using strikes)
In 1872, Amedeo abdicated and returned to Italy.
The First Spanish Republic (1873-1874)
In response to Amedeo’s abdication, the House and Senate established the First Republic in 1873.
This republic faced numerous problems:
- Treasury crisis
- Carlist War
- Military distrust
- Labor and social issues
- Land problems
- Lack of international support (recognized only by the US and Switzerland)
- Opposition from the bourgeoisie, aristocracy, higher clergy, and military leadership
There were four presidents:
- Estanislao Figueras
- Francisco Pi y Maragall
- Nicolás Salmerón
- Emilio Castelar
The Restoration of the Monarchy (1874)
A monarchist movement favored Alfonso XII (son of Isabel II), who was educated in England. He published the “Manifesto of Sandhurst,” written by Canovas del Castillo, outlining his objectives for a stable, conservative, and Catholic government.
The coup by Arsenio Martínez Campos finally gave power to Alfonso XII.