The Restoration in Spain: Monarchy and Politics (1874-1902)
The Restoration in Spain (1874-1902)
The Return of the Bourbons
Following General Pavia’s coup and the dissolution of Parliament, a provisional government was established. While the Republic technically remained, General Serrano’s military dictatorship effectively ruled. Increased taxes and demonstrations halted Carlist advancements. However, by year’s end, Serrano’s position weakened as support for Alfonso XII grew among the middle class and the army.
Prince Alfonso, advised by Cánovas, issued the Manifesto of Sandhurst, promising dialogue, a constitutional monarchy, and acceptance of political progress. Cánovas orchestrated the return to monarchy. Monarchist generals declared their support in Sagunto. The government resigned without resistance, and Cánovas formed a cabinet, proclaiming Alfonso as King.
Consolidating the Monarchy
Cánovas appointed monarchist governors and mayors and implemented repressive measures against the opposition to restore the Crown’s authority. While selective in his crackdown, he maintained contact with progressive leaders, hoping they would accept the monarchy. The final campaign against the Carlists resulted in their surrender in 1876 (Somorrostro Manifesto). While Carlism was defeated, regionalist and ultra-conservative Catholic sentiments persisted.
The war’s end allowed troops to be sent to Cuba. After two years of negotiations, the Zanjón Peace Treaty ended the war in 1878, granting amnesty, freedom to Asian slaves, and legal reforms.
The Cánovas System: Constitution of 1876 and Party Politics
Antonio Cánovas del Castillo
Cánovas was the key figure of the Restoration. His priority was establishing the monarchy, even above the Constitution. He believed the Monarchy and Parliament were Spain’s historical pillars. The Crown needed to regain prestige lost during Isabel II’s reign. He envisioned a monarchy sharing sovereignty with Parliament, possessing extensive expertise, and playing a central role in politics.
The Constitution of 1876
Elections for the Constituent Cortes were held under manipulated universal suffrage, ensuring a government majority. The Constitution of 1876 is a flexible text designed for stability. It’s doctrinaire and conservative in nature.
Key Features:
- Broad bill of rights and duties, including gains from 1869.
- Shared sovereignty: Power to make laws resides in the Cortes with the King.
- Royal veto power over bills.
- Bicameral Cortes: Upper house with senators by right, royal appointment, and election.
- Executive power vested in the Crown through ministers accountable to the Chambers.
- King chooses the head of government freely, not accountable to the Cortes.
- Independent judiciary and unified legal code.
- Catholicism as the state religion, ensuring the maintenance of worship and clergy.
Political Developments (1885-1902)
1885-1890: The Liberal Party, led by Sagasta, governed during the “Long Parliament.” This period saw increased political openness, including restored freedom of education, press, and association, and a new Civil Code. The 1890 electoral law established universal male suffrage, though its impact was limited by electoral manipulation.
1890-1892: Conservatives governed, passing the Tariff Act of 1891 in response to the European economic crisis.
1892-1895: Liberals returned to power, proposing administrative reforms for Cuba, which were eventually withdrawn. The Cuban insurrection broke out in February 1895, leading to war.
By the late 1890s, the Cuban War, political clashes, and economic depression began to undermine the Restoration system.