The Restoration in Spain (1874-1898)
Canovas del Castillo’s System
The Restoration, envisioned by Canovas del Castillo, aimed to create a stable political system based on the British model of bipartisanship. The 1876 Constitution defined a conservative and centralist framework, establishing Spain as a constitutional monarchy with shared sovereignty. Catholicism was the state religion, but freedom of religion was allowed. A bicameral system was implemented, with an elected Congress and a Senate appointed by the king.
Fundamentals of the Restoration
- The 1876 Constitution established the framework for the Restoration.
- Alternation in power between two major parties (Conservatives and Liberals).
- The king’s role was primarily symbolic, with limited political involvement.
Consequences
- Abolition of the Basque fueros (tax system).
- The Carlist War ended with the Peace of Zanjón, but Spain failed to fulfill the agreement, leading to further conflict.
- The Cuban War of Independence (1895-1898) resulted in the loss of Cuba, the Philippines, and other Spanish colonies.
Political Parties
- Conservatives (Cánovas): Represented the interests of the wealthy landowners and the bourgeoisie.
- Liberals (Sagasta): Advocated for universal suffrage, social reforms, and a reduced role for the Church.
Mechanisms of the Restoration
- Government ministers and mayors were replaced with each change of government.
- Electoral fraud was rampant, both in rural areas (caciquismo) and urban centers.
- Political patronage was used to maintain control.
Electoral Distortion
The Ministry of Governance manipulated election results, ensuring the victory of the ruling party. Caciques, influential figures in rural areas, controlled local votes through loyalty and patronage.
Development of Parties
The death of Alfonso XII in 1885 threatened the Restoration system. The “Pact of El Pardo” was signed between the Conservatives and Liberals to maintain the peaceful alternation of power.
Sagasta’s Government
- Approval of universal suffrage.
- Legalization of political parties.
- Financial and legal reforms.
Crisis and Marginalized Groups
Towards the end of the century, the two major parties faced a crisis following the deaths of Cánovas and Sagasta. Republicans, nationalists, Carlists, and the labor movement remained marginalized.
Republicans
The Republican movement was divided into various factions, including the Possibilists, Radicals, Centralists, and Federalists.
Carlists
After their military defeat in 1876, the Carlists accepted liberalism and recognized Alfonso XII as king. However, divisions remained within the movement, with some advocating for a traditionalist Catholic monarchy and others for a more conservative regionalist approach.
The Overseas War (1895-1898)
Causes
- Political discontent among the Cuban bourgeoisie.
- Economic grievances related to trade tariffs imposed by Spain.
- Expansionist interests of the United States.
- Exclusion of native Cubans from high-ranking administrative positions.
- Spain’s failure to grant Cuba autonomy as promised after the Peace of Zanjón.
The War
The war began in 1895, led by José Martí. The United States intervened, supporting the Cuban rebels. Spain was unable to defeat the combined forces and was forced to sign the Treaty of Paris in 1898, losing Cuba, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, and other colonies.