Cantonal Revolts and Political Shifts in 19th-Century Spain

Cantonal Revolts and Political Crisis

These discrepancies resulted in uprisings that swept through the east and south of the peninsula: cantonalism, with cities and towns declaring themselves independent of any central power. Pi i Margall, overwhelmed by the cantonal revolution, resigned the presidency. The presidency passed to Salmerón, who, after only six weeks, restored order in many districts (except Cartagena) and repressed internationalist labor movements.

10.5 Policy of the Administration

The new unitary republic took a rightward turn to save the nation. Salmerón resigned for reasons of conscience and the presidency passed to Castelar, who sought to restore order with the army's help. The federalists were preparing to regain power when General Pavía staged a coup and dissolved the Cortes.

In 1868 the peseta was established and the Bank of Spain was given a monopoly on issuing banknotes. Tariffs were set to protect the fledgling domestic industry. The Corporations Act and the Mining Act were enacted to encourage foreign investment and entry.

Events Leading to the First Republic

• They defended their own candidate and Republicans chose total revolution. The anarchists were also seizing influence and wanted to abolish private property.

After several governmental crises and feeling isolated, Amadeo I of Savoy quickly abdicated and the Republic was proclaimed in 1873.

10.4 The First Republic and Its Challenges

In the new situation it was decided to establish a republic. The assembly appointed Estanislao Figueras as president of the united republic; its main aim was to convene a Constituent Assembly and draft a constitution. Figueras faced serious problems: an exhausted treasury, a Carlist War, difficulties in Cuba, and an army that was largely monarchist.

Nevertheless, Figueras granted a broad amnesty and abolished slavery in Puerto Rico. The unitary republic also lacked 'quintas' (conscription quotas), which complicated military recruitment.

After these events, elections were won by federal Republicans. The Cortes proclaimed the Federal Republic and Pi i Margall became president. Within the federal Republicans two trends emerged: the hardliners, who advocated a federal Spain from below, and the moderates, who advocated a federal Spain from above.