History of the First Spanish Republic and the Restoration
The Reign of Amadeo I
Searching for historical clarity on this period is not easy. European royal houses rejected the throne, and in other cases, European powers were against rival candidates. Some considered General Espartero, but ultimately, Amadeo of Savoy was chosen.
The reign of Amadeo I lasted only two years, plagued by a lack of monarchical support. Republicans regarded him as an intruder, and his reign faced significant challenges:
- Political Instability: The beginning of the Third Carlist War.
- Government Division: Constant internal political friction.
- Social Issues: Persecution of AIT supporters who sought representation in the courts.
- Colonial Problems: Issues with American colonies, despite some progress in Puerto Rico.
Due to continuing disturbances and a lack of popular and political support, Amadeo abdicated on February 11, 1873. Parliament subsequently proclaimed the Republic.
The First Republic: Challenges and Collapse
The First Republic faced a series of critical problems:
- Lack of support: Existence of ongoing wars.
- Popular perception: Conservatives considered it a revolutionary regime.
- International isolation: Lack of international support.
- Internal division: Conflict between federalists and moderate unionists.
- Cantonalism: The emergence of the cantonalist movement.
The Republic was proclaimed on February 11 under Figueras. The government of Pi i Margall focused on a new federal constitution, but problems multiplied. Pi i Margall resigned after refusing to use violence. Salmeron was elected, granting the military greater prominence, but he resigned after refusing to sign death sentences. Castelar then took several measures:
- Support for the army.
- Reinforcement of military power against the Carlist war.
- Suppression of cantonalism.
- Suspension of constitutional guarantees.
In 1874, Castelar resigned following a vote of no confidence. General Pavía entered Congress with troops, announcing the formation of a military government led by Serrano.
From the First Republic to the Restoration
After the coup, a provisional government led by Serrano was established. Serrano's government functioned as a dictatorship to restore order, while the army halted the advance of Carlist forces. Prince Alfonso committed to establishing a constitutional monarchy. Events accelerated when General Martínez Campos rebelled, demanding the return of the monarchy. The government offered no resistance, and Alfonso XII was proclaimed King of Spain, giving rise to the period known as the Restoration.
Conclusion
The failure of the First Republic left behind the Constitution of 1869, which remains one of the most democratic in Spanish history. Simultaneously, the exhaustion from constant revolutions helped open a more stable period in Spanish history, a stability that would eventually be broken by the loss of Spain's last colonies.