The Glorious Revolution of 1868: Causes and Consequences

The Revolution of 1868

The Revolution of 1868 was triggered by a convergence of critical factors. The economic crisis of 1864 led to the collapse of railway companies, banks, and businesses, compounded by a stock market crash that depleted the Treasury. This financial instability was exacerbated by an agricultural crisis, resulting in widespread famine, hunger, and rising unemployment across the country.

Political Instability and the Fall of Isabel II

The economic turmoil fueled a political crisis, leaving Queen Isabel II without support beyond the moderate liberals. Other political factions—including unionists, democrats, republicans, and labor leaders—were excluded from the political process. These groups eventually joined the Liberal Union under General Serrano following the repression of the San Gil barracks pronouncement.

Prominent intellectuals and figures such as Figuerola, Castelar, Moret, Giner, and Canalejas contributed to the fall of the monarchy by promoting new concepts, including:

• Democratization
• Decentralization
• Secularism

The Glorious Revolution

In September 1868, the "Glorious Revolution" erupted. On September 17, Admiral Topete led the fleet in Cádiz in a statement of rebellion, joined by military quarters nationwide. Popular support led to the formation of local and provincial boards, which:

Delivered weapons to the population and organized the volunteers known as the Freedom Volunteers.

The army, led by General Serrano, defeated the government forces at the Battle of Alcolea on September 28. The following day, Isabel II, who was vacationing in San Sebastián, crossed the border through Irún into exile.

A Multi-Faceted Movement

The revolution succeeded because it united diverse interests:

• Financial and Industrial Sectors: Recognized that the Elizabethan government could not resolve the economic crisis.
• The Oligarchy: Accepted that change was necessary to guarantee social order.
• Popular Classes: Motivated by poverty and the promises of the conspirators, including:
  • Universal suffrage
  • Abolition of indirect taxes (consumption taxes)
  • Abolition of the quintas (the unjust conscription system that favored wealthy families)

In October, a provisional government was established, headed by General Serrano and involving progressive leaders such as Prim, Sagasta, and Ruiz Zorrilla. They issued a decree to dissolve the revolutionary boards, disband the volunteer battalions, appoint new town councils, and convene the Constituent Cortes.