The Failed Democratic Experiment in 19th Century Spain
The Six-Year Democratic Period (1868-1874)
The Six-Year period was the final stage of the liberal revolution in Spain, an attempt to establish a liberal democratic system and modernize the country. However, it was marked by instability, regime changes (from monarchy to republic), the Carlist uprising, the emergence of federalism, and the Cuban problem. The democratic bourgeoisie failed to stabilize the system, and popular demands were unmet.
The 1868 September Revolution was preceded by an economic crisis, a combination of financial and industrial recession (due to railway construction issues and the stagnation of Catalan textile industry) and a subsistence crisis caused by high prices.
Politically, the 1860s saw the deterioration of the Elizabethan liberal regime, with power concentrated in the Moderate Party. Progressives sought power through military coups, like those led by Prim or the San Gil uprising, but these attempts failed.
Opposition to the regime crystallized in the Pact of Ostend, uniting Progressives, Democrats, and Unionists (including Serrano, López de Ayala, and Topete). Without army support and facing societal demands for change, the Elizabethan monarchy’s fate was sealed.
1. The 1868 Revolution, the Provisional Government, and the 1869 Constitution
On September 17, 1868, Admiral Topete revolted in Cadiz with the cry “Long live Spain with honor!” Prim and Serrano joined the uprising. The only military encounter was the Battle of Alcolea, where Serrano defeated the Elizabethan troops led by Novaliches. Revolutionary committees formed across the country.
A provisional government, led by General Serrano, was established, comprising Progressives, Unionists, and Liberal Democrats (now called Cimbrians), who favored a monarchy. The government established universal suffrage and convened Constituent Cortes in January 1869.
The January 1869 elections gave a majority to the coalition government, leading to Spain’s first democratic constitution. It established a comprehensive system of rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly, association, education, and religion. The constitution was based on popular sovereignty, with the monarch’s powers limited.
The government, particularly Finance Minister Figuerola, implemented economic measures based on free trade (Tariff Act of Bases), unified the currency (peseta), and attempted to boost the economy through subsidies to railway companies and the Mining Act, attracting foreign investment.
2. Amadeo I
Spain had a constitution but no king. A regency headed by Serrano was established, with Prim as prime minister. Spanish diplomacy searched for a new king, with various candidates proposed. Amadeo of Savoy, supported by Prim and the Progressives, was chosen.
Amadeo and his wife Victoria faced opposition from the aristocracy, clergy, and part of the army, lacking popular support.
Amadeo’s two-year reign was marked by constant difficulties. He inherited the Cuban problem (the Ten Years’ War, starting with the “Cry of Yara” in 1869) and the Carlist uprising in 1872. Federalist republican uprisings also occurred in 1872, influenced by the First International.
Politically, Amadeo faced opposition from Moderates who favored the Bourbon restoration (Prince Alfonso), led by Canovas del Castillo. Prim’s death divided the Progressive Party into Constitutionalists (Sagasta) and Radicals (Ruiz Zorrilla). This led to political instability, with three elections and six governments in a short period.
Amadeo abdicated in February 1873, leading to the failure of the democratic monarchy.
The First Republic
After Amadeo’s abdication, the Congress and Senate met as the National Assembly and proclaimed the Spanish Republic on February 11, 1873. The first government, led by Figueras, included Republicans (Pi, Castelar) and Monarchists (Echegaray, Fernández de Córdova, Becerra).
Popular riots and municipal changes occurred, with some Andalusian laborers hoping for land redistribution. A coup attempt by Cristino Martos in February failed.
The Assembly was dissolved on March 23, after abolishing slavery in Puerto Rico and conscription. Elections were called for May, resulting in a federal Republican majority.
On June 8, the House proclaimed a Federal Republic. Pi i Margall became president on June 11. A new constitution was drafted, establishing a federal system of seventeen states with autonomy.
However, the Republic faced serious problems: the ongoing Cuban and Carlist conflicts, and the cantonalist movement. Federal intransigents declared independent cantons, notably in Cartagena. Pi i Margall resigned, replaced by Nicolás Salmerón, who ended negotiations with the cantons and used the military to restore order.
Emilio Castelar became president, shifting the Republic to the right. He pursued a policy of authority, reorganizing the army and closing parliament. However, he lacked a majority, and a coup by Manuel Pavia ended the parliamentary experience of the Republic.
Power passed to a coalition led by Serrano, a conservative republican attempt. However, support grew for the restoration of the monarchy under Alfonso XII.
On September 29, 1874, General Martinez Campos proclaimed Alfonso XII King of Spain in Sagunto.