The Glorious Revolution of 1868: Spain's Democratic Shift

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The Glorious Revolution of 1868: A New Era in Spain

Introduction

In September 1868, a new pronouncement spearheaded by the army marked a turning point in Spanish history, setting the stage for significant political change. Generals Serrano and Prim, along with Admiral Topete, initiated a revolt in Cadiz that rapidly spread throughout the nation. The queen was exiled to France following the Battle of Alcolea. This revolution, known as the Glorious, represented a renewed effort by the bourgeoisie and a large segment of the populace to establish a democratic system.

Causes of the Revolution

  • Social crisis in Andalusia, characterized by a series of peasant revolts led by landless individuals.
  • Political crisis, marked by a succession of moderate and unionist governments. The deaths of O'Donnell and Narvaez further exposed the depletion of the moderate political model. In 1866, progressives and Democrats signed the Pact of Ostend.
  • Economic crisis, encompassing both a financial and a subsistence crisis, erupted in 1866, creating a climate that ultimately led to the end of the monarchy of Isabel II.

Provisional Government and the Constitution of 1869

The interim government, led by General Serrano and composed of Unionists and Progressives, called for elections in January 1869. The revolution of 1868 recognized fundamental democratic principles, including:

  • Freedom of teaching and worship
  • Universal male suffrage
  • The abolition of the death penalty and slavery
  • The recognition of freedom of association

These principles were enshrined in the Constitution of 1869, which established Spain as a constitutional monarchy. The Constitution clearly established the division of powers: legislative power resided in Parliament, executive power in the king but exercised by the ministers, and judicial power in the courts. It also recognized the rights of citizens.

With the Constitution approved and the political situation stabilized, Serrano was appointed regent in the absence of a king, and Prim became chief of government. Their primary objectives were to find a candidate for the throne and to resolve the separatist insurgency that had begun in Cuba, known as the War of 10 Years (1868-1878), which concluded with the signing of the Peace of Zanjon.

The Reign of Amadeo I (1870-1873)

The question of who should occupy the throne of Spain became an international issue, further prolonging the period of provisional government and allowing the opposition of Republicans and Carlists to gain strength. Amadeo was considered the ideal candidate. He fulfilled all the requirements: he belonged to a royal house with a liberal tradition, was a Catholic, and his election did not trouble France or Prussia, the two warring continental European powers. The courts appointed him king in November 1870. Prim, the new king's main backer, was assassinated in circumstances that were never clarified, three days before the arrival of Amadeo I.

The king swore to uphold the Constitution and, from the outset, was prepared to fulfill his role as a constitutional monarch. However, the division of political forces made it impossible to maintain stability. The government saw a succession of Progressives under Sagasta, Radicals, and old Unionists led by Francisco Serrano, all parties with limited real support among the constituencies. Elections remained fraudulent and manipulated.

In this context, Republicans, Carlists, and supporters of a Bourbon restoration under Prince Alfonso, son of Elizabeth II, gained adherents. In April 1872, the Carlist pretender, Carlos VII, entered Spain, leading to a new uprising in the Basque provinces and Navarre (the Third Carlist War, 1872-1876).

Abdication and the Proclamation of the Republic

In February 1873, a disillusioned Amadeo I abdicated. That same day, the Cortes proclaimed the Republic by an absolute majority.

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