The Democratic Sexenio and Spain’s First Republic
The Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874)
The Democratic Sexenio comprised three distinct periods: the interim government of Serrano (1868-1870), the reign of Amadeo I of Savoy (1870-1873), and the First Republic (1873-1874).
The Interim Government and the 1869 Constitution
After the departure of Isabella II following the Glorious Revolution in 1868, the people organized and initiated pockets of social revolution. The military leaders of the revolution quickly formed an interim government led by three generals: Serrano, Prim, and Topete. Their first step was to dissolve the boards and popular militias. Additionally, they took steps to convene the courts to devise a new constitution, starting with elections held by universal male suffrage.
A coalition of Progressive, Democratic, and Unionist monarchists emerged victorious. In opposition were the conservative Carlists, the Alfonsinos (led by Cánovas del Castillo), and the Democratic-Republicans. Following the elections, it was decided that Spain would remain a monarchy, and Prim’s party began seeking a king among the European courts.
During this time, the Constitution of 1869 was drafted, becoming the most progressive of the century. It reflected the principle of national sovereignty, restricted the powers of the King, and extended freedoms of the press and association. The separation of powers was established as follows:
- Judicial: Courts with judges selected by competition rather than the ruling party.
- Legislative: Unicameral courts.
- Executive: Divided between the King and his ministers.
While searching for a new monarch, Serrano assumed the regency and enacted several measures: the Tariff Framework Law (trade liberalization), the granting of mining rights to foreign companies, and the consolidation of the National Bank of Spain, which became the center for issuing the peseta. A project was also developed to abolish slavery in Cuba due to independence movements led by Céspedes; however, landowners resisted, and the project was not carried out.
The Reign of Amadeo I of Savoy
At the end of 1870, Amadeo I arrived in Spain from Italy, though his main supporter, General Prim, had been assassinated. Upon his arrival, the courts were divided among the three coalition parties, while the Republicans and the conservative Alfonsinos gained significant support.
The Crisis of the Monarchy
The country faced a chaotic situation: the bourgeoisie was incensed by tariff increases, and the peasants protested because they did not receive any benefit from the measures taken. A new Carlist conflict arose, while revolts for independence continued in Cuba. Finally, due to the pressure exerted by Republicans and Alfonsinos, Amadeo I abdicated.
The First Spanish Republic
Following the departure of Amadeo, the First Republic began as a proposal from the courts. It saw four different presidents:
- Estanislao Figueras: He abolished slavery in Puerto Rico and suppressed consumption taxes but soon resigned.
- Pi y Maragall: A federalist who aimed to divide Spain into 17 states, but he lacked support. Cantonal riots soon arose in areas like Andalusia, proclaiming numerous independent cantons, leading to his resignation.
- Nicolás Salmerón: He suppressed the cantonal revolts. However, as Congress continued to enact repressive measures, including the death penalty, Salmerón resigned due to conscientious objection.
- Emilio Castelar: He reinforced authoritarianism and suspended the courts until they reopened in January 1874.
The Fall of the Republic and the Restoration
Castelar was forced to resign under federalist pressure. In response, General Pavía (a Unionist) led a coup with the Civil Guard. Following this, General Serrano took over without the courts, maintaining a nearly dictatorial situation by dissolving the courts and suspending the constitution. Meanwhile, Cánovas prepared for the arrival of Alfonso XII. A month before his arrival, General Martínez Campos led a coup to proclaim him King.