The Revolutionary Sexenio in Spain: Causes, Development, and Implications

Posted on Feb 5, 2025 in History

The Revolutionary Sexenio: 1868-1874

Causes of the Revolution

The Elizabethan system faced a deep crisis due to several factors:

  • A European economic crisis that heavily impacted Spain, leading to bank, railroad, steel mill, and textile industry bankruptcies.
  • Pressure from progressives who challenged the regime, ultimately leading to the withdrawal of unionists.
  • The opposition formed the Covenant of Ostend in 1866, uniting progressives, defeatists, and unionists with the goal of overthrowing the Elizabethan regime.

Development of the Sexenio

The Glorious Revolution of 1868

The 1868 Revolution, also known as “La Gloriosa,” was led by Generals Prim and Serrano, and Admiral Topete. The Elizabethan army was defeated by Serrano in the Battle of Alcolea. This led to the creation of Republican-oriented boards and the emergence of armed citizen groups called “Volunteers.”

The government, led by Serrano, adopted unionist and progressive policies, advocating for universal suffrage and opposing the monarchy. Key achievements included freedom of the press, religion, and association, as well as the recognition of universal male suffrage.

Finance Minister Figuerola implemented economic reforms, including monetary unification and the facilitation of free trade. However, rural areas experienced peasant uprisings that were suppressed by the army. In Cuba, the First War of Independence, known as “El Grito de Yara,” began and lasted for ten years (1868-1878).

The Constitution of 1869

The courts drafted the 1869 Constitution, a document with a democratic character. Key points included:

  1. Establishment of a parliamentary monarchy in Spain.
  2. Universal male suffrage for those over 25.
  3. National sovereignty and separation of powers.
  4. Rights of assembly and association.
  5. Recognition of Catholicism as the state religion, while tolerating others.
  6. The king reigns but does not govern.
  7. Freedom of expression.
  8. A bicameral legislature (Senate and Congress).
  9. Legislative power vested in the Cortes, and executive power in the government.

On June 15, Serrano was designated regent, and Prim was tasked with finding a suitable sovereign. Candidates included Leopold of Hohenzollern, Francisco of Portugal, Amadeo of Savoy, Don Carlos VII, and the Duke of Montpensier. Ultimately, Amadeo of Savoy was chosen to be a democratic king.

Reign of Amadeo I (1870-1873)

Amadeo I’s reign was marked by significant challenges. His arrival was overshadowed by the assassination of his key supporter, Prim.

The king faced strong opposition from Republicans, Bourbon monarchists, and Carlists. Key problems during his reign included:

  • Labor unrest, including strikes and land occupations.
  • The ongoing Cuban War of Independence.
  • The resurgence of Carlism in the north, with the proclamation of Charles VII.

Due to these overwhelming problems, Amadeo I abdicated, leading to the proclamation of the First Republic.

The First Republic (1873-1874)

With no constitutional king, the House and Senate proclaimed the Republic. Intellectuals came to power, but the Republic faced immediate conflict between centralists and federalists.

President Figueras convened the Cortes. His successor, Pi i Margall, introduced a draft Federal Constitution, proposing administrative divisions into 17 states. However, the cantons revolted, leading to the Cantonal Revolution, and Pi i Margall was forced to resign. Salmerón, the new president, adopted a more conservative approach, advocating for a unitary model and suppressing the cantonal uprisings. He also cracked down on the labor movement and banned international organizations. He resigned, and Castelar became president, seeking to restore order through authority and suspending the Cortes. During this time, Carlism consolidated its power, the labor movement opposed the Republic, and the Cuban wars continued.

Implications and End of the Sexenio

Castelar was rejected in the General Assembly. General Pavia staged a coup, dissolving the Republican Cortes.

A government of concentration, led by Serrano, governed under the 1869 Constitution until Martínez Campos staged a coup in favor of the monarchy, bringing Alfonso XII of Bourbon to power.