The Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874): Revolution & Republic in Spain
The Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874): Revolution & Republic
The Glorious Revolution (1868)
The “Glorious” Revolution of September 1868 ousted Queen Isabella II, ushering in the six-year Democratic Sexenio. This period saw a rapid succession of political regimes: a provisional government, a regency, the monarchy of Amadeo of Savoy, and finally, the First Spanish Republic.
The Revolutionary Process
Admiral Topete’s proclamation in the Bay of Cádiz, joined by Generals Prim and Serrano, sparked the revolution. The defeat of Isabella II’s troops at the Battle of Alcolea (1868) sealed her exile to France. A Revolutionary Council initiated the democratic period.
The Provisional Government (1868)
General Serrano led the provisional government, dissolving existing governing bodies and implementing key measures: freedom of association and press, universal male suffrage (over 25), and elections for a constituent assembly.
The Constitution of 1869
This constitution enshrined individual rights, including confidentiality of correspondence, and established a division of powers: a bicameral legislature, independent judicial tribunals with juries, and a parliamentary monarchy with a king who “reigns but does not govern.” Freedom of worship was also enacted, despite opposition from the Church.
The Regency of Serrano and Prim’s Government (1869-1871)
Following the adoption of the Constitution, Serrano became regent and Prim, head of government. Prim orchestrated the election of Amadeo of Savoy as king but was assassinated before Amadeo’s arrival.
The Monarchy of Amadeo I (1871-1873)
Amadeo’s reign was short-lived and fraught with challenges: Prim’s assassination, conflicts between liberal factions, opposition from Carlists, Alfonsists, and federal republicans, worker uprisings, and the ongoing colonial crisis in Cuba. A key factor in Amadeo’s abdication was his refusal to sign the dissolution of an artillery corps, leading to his resignation in February 1873.
The First Republic (1873-1874)
Amadeo’s abdication led to the proclamation of the First Republic, which lasted two years (1873-1874).
- First Stage (1873-January 1874): Figueras, Pi y Margal, Salmerón, and Castelar led the Republic, advocating for either a unitary or federal system.
- Second Stage (January 1874-1874): General Pavia’s coup dissolved Congress, and General Serrano assumed power until the restoration of the monarchy.
Causes of the Republic’s Failure
1. Republican Infighting
Under President Estanislao Figueras, the Cortes was divided into three factions: Pi y Margal’s center (decentralization, rejecting armed action), Castelar’s moderate right (strong federal government, opposing uprisings), and the hardliners led by José María Orense (opposing Castelar’s leadership).
The Draft Constitution of 1873:
- Spain as a federal republic of 17 states (including Cuba and Puerto Rico)
- Separation of Church and State
- Bicameral legislature (Congress and Senate)
- Retention of the 1869 Bill of Rights
2. The Third Carlist War (1872-1876)
Amadeo’s abdication bolstered the Carlist cause. By late 1873, Carlists controlled Basque-Navarrese territory, achieving victories at Somorrostro and Montejurra. Their advance, extending to Albacete, Cuenca, and Aragon, was halted by Pavia’s coup and the restoration of the monarchy in 1874.
3. The Cuban War
The Ten Years’ War, which began with the Grito de Yara in 1868, continued until the Peace of Zanjón in 1878, under Alfonso XII.
4. Cantonalesimo
This movement aimed to create small, independent units that would form a federal state from the bottom up. It gained traction in Levante (Murcia and Cartagena) and Andalusia, advocating for social reforms. Pi y Margal’s dismissal and Salmerón’s use of the army against the Cantonalists led to Salmerón’s resignation. Castelar, his successor, was granted extraordinary powers, ruling by decree.
General Pavia’s coup in January 1874, preempting a vote of no confidence against Castelar, led to General Serrano’s government. This paved the way for General Martínez Campos’s proclamation of Alfonso XII as king on December 31, 1874.