The Restoration of Alfonso XII and the Cánovas System
The pronouncement of General Martínez Campos ended the democratic presidential term, initiating the Restoration. This transition was preceded by three key factors: the pacification of the country, international recognition of Prince Alfonso, and the acceptance of the monarchy by public opinion. These factors occurred in phases, starting with the military regime headed by Serrano, which ruled for eleven months to address the disorder of the riots. Another crucial factor was the Manifesto of Sandhurst, which was essential in gaining public support for the monarchy of Alfonso XII. Finally, Martínez Campos’s pronouncement in favor of Alfonso de Bourbon occurred, which was initially seen as a setback for Cánovas.
The Foundations of the Cánovist System
The Cánovas system assumed the regency until the King’s arrival in Spain. Antonio Cánovas del Castillo was a conservative who established a system based on a liberal parliamentary model. This ruling was welcomed by conservative groups as the new regime sought to overcome the historical problems of liberalism, such as the partisan nature of the moderates, military intervention, and civil strife. The foundations of this era were laid in the Constitution of 1876.
Early Governance and Conflict Resolution
As the first to take power, Cánovas focused on ending the Carlist conflict, which led to the reform of the Foral regime to create a modern and efficient administration. He also oversaw the end of the war in Cuba, established by the Peace of Zanjón in 1878. However, this did not permanently solve the Cuban problem, as the United States continued to encourage independence by supporting movements both inside and outside of Cuba. The Cánovas system, implemented through the 1876 Constitution, was moderated and eclectic, proving to be highly effective.
The 1876 Constitution and Representation
The system of representation established two legislative chambers with equal powers:
- The Congress of Deputies: Composed of at least one member over 25 years of age for every 50,000 inhabitants.
- The Senate: Composed of the sons of kings, members elected for life by corporations, and major contributors under restricted suffrage.
Elections were governed by various electoral laws, though all were characterized by the franchise. The King came of age at 16, retaining control over the executive and legislature, with the power to dissolve the Courts. Cánovas maintained a centralist attitude, driving patent laws throughout the country. In church-state relations, the Catholic religion was declared the official state religion.
Administrative Reforms and Political Rotation
Administrative and political reforms focused on the Free Institution of Education (Institución Libre de Enseñanza), which promoted academic and scientific freedom. Meanwhile, trade unions and workers’ associations, banned in 1874, remained in hiding. To maintain stability, the government simulated a democratic regime through the Turno Pacífico. This resulted in political stability at the expense of marginalizing opposing forces.
The Electoral Mechanism and Caciquismo
The Prime Minister, appointed from one of the two main parties, took turns in power. The president chose his government, and the Minister of the Interior was in charge of “making the box” (encasillado) to calculate the distribution of seats for the ruling party. Governors established a network of contacts with local chiefs (caciques) to control large groups of people, often through the press, ensuring election results met expectations.