The Democratic Sexenio in Spain: A Path to Democracy (1868-1874)
The Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874): A Path to Democracy
The Democratic Sexenio (1868-1874) marked a significant period in Spanish history, characterized by an attempt to democratize the nation. The Revolution of September 1868 signified the end of Queen Isabel II’s monarchy. It occurred after six years of great instability. A common feature throughout this period was the search for a new political and social order, in which the petty bourgeoisie and the emerging urban labor movement played a fundamental role. The Sexenio was the last revolutionary step in Spain’s liberal revolution and represented an attempt to expand liberalism and establish democracy. Those years were filled with various kinds of conflicts: political (the emergence of federalism), social (the claims of the popular classes), and economic (derived from a dislocated context of crisis between protectionists and free traders). The bourgeoisie failed to stabilize a defined democratic political regime. The regency, the democratic monarchy of Amadeo I, and later the republic could not control the various conflicts presented. The six-year term, in its attempt at political modernization, failed, and the monarchical solution prevailed once again.
Stages of the Democratic Sexenio
The Glorious Revolution of September 1868
This proclamation, drafted by López de Ayala and signed by the generals involved in the revolutionary movement, was the starting point of the September 1868 revolution, which ended the reign of Elizabeth II.
The Revolution of 1868
In the years prior to 1868, social unrest and discredit of the government of Isabel II were growing. After the failure of the San Gil barracks revolt, a union of as many military personnel and civilians as possible was decided upon. In Ostend, Prim agreed to an alliance with the Democratic Party. The economic crisis must be seen as an important factor. It was a food crisis that brought scarcity of cereals, hunger, and disease. The revolution took place in September 1868, to the cry of “Viva España con honra!” (“Long live Spain with honor!”), and achieved victory with almost no bloodshed. Many revolutionary groups formed throughout the country. The slogans were similar everywhere. Military commanders went ahead with the whole insurrection. Elizabeth II found no support and was exiled to France. On September 17, troops loyal to the government moved to quell the uprising, as in other cities. The only major military encounter was the Battle of Alcolea. Prim toured the coastal cities to consolidate the uprising, achieving the accession of Barcelona on October 3. With the revolution of 1868, the democratic Sexenio began. Following the triumph of the revolution and Elizabeth II’s departure from Spain, a provisional government was established.
The Provisional Government (1868-1870)
After the escape of Elizabeth II, revolutionary boards were organized throughout the country. In Madrid, the rebels proposed a revolutionary board for the capital. The Supreme Council of Government led to the formation of a provisional government headed by General Serrano. The government was pressured by revolutionary juntas, dominated by Democrats, who were backed in the streets by the revolutionary militia, “Volunteers of Freedom.” The first measures of the provisional government put into practice the principles that the revolution had defended. To channel political life, the government called elections for constituent courts by universal suffrage. The elections, the first in Spain to recognize universal male suffrage, gave victory to the ruling coalition, which favored the monarchical form of government. The courts created a parliamentary committee to draft a new constitution.
The Constitution of 1869
The courts were constituted on February 11, 1869, with a large majority belonging to the political forces composing the government. Serrano assumed executive power while a commission composed a new draft constitution. Determining the type of regime (monarchy or republic) and the religious question were the most debated points. The majority in court succeeded in establishing the principle of monarchy, while the religious issue was resolved with the acceptance of freedom of worship. Moreover, the Constitution of 1869 contained basic principles of democratic liberalism:
- National sovereignty: Residing in the courts and resulting from the exercise of universal suffrage. The courts were composed of a congress and a senate, which were to assemble at the same time.
- A comprehensive statement of individual rights.
- Administrative and judicial centralization.
The Constitution of 1869 consolidated a political regime based on liberal-democratic principles. It frustrated the aspirations of other political groups, especially many of the claims of a popular character. Social inequalities persisted, affecting peasants, laborers, and factory workers. Urban riots protested consumption taxes, the draft, and increasing prices. The incipient labor movement underwent a process of radicalization, demanding improved wages and working conditions. Once the constitution was approved, the regency was established under Serrano while a new king was sought for Spain. Prim undertook this delicate mission, which was resolved with the acceptance of Amadeo of Savoy. This nomination was well regarded by progressive monarchist forces. Amadeo was elected king by the courts on November 16, 1870.