Key Events in 19th Century Spanish History

The Liberal Triennium (1820-1823)

During this period, the National Militia was created, and King Ferdinand VII was forced to accept the Constitution of Cádiz.

The Pragmatic Sanction of 1832

Enacted in 1832, this decree abolished the Salic Law, thereby allowing women to ascend to the Spanish throne.

Disentailment Policies: Mendizábal and Madoz

The Disentailment of Mendizábal occurred in 1836. The Disentailment of Madoz (1854-1856) took place during the Progressive Biennium, similar to Mendizábal's but with a focus on municipal properties (Ayuntamientos).

The Glorious Revolution of 1868

Known as "La Gloriosa," this insurrection began in Cádiz, led by Generals Prim, Serrano, and Admiral Topete, against Queen Isabel II. Following their victory at the Battle of Alcolea, Isabel II was defeated and left Spain with her family.

The Spanish Constitution of 1869

This was Spain's first truly democratic constitution, establishing key principles:

• National sovereignty
• Universal male suffrage (for men over 25)
• Fundamental rights: freedom of the press, association, and worship
• Division of powers:
  • Legislative: Cortes (composed of deputies and the Senate)
  • Judicial: Independent judiciary
  • Executive: The King, subject to parliamentary control

The Carlist Wars

There were three Carlist Wars: 1833-1840 (often cited as 1834-1849 including aftermath), 1846-1849, and 1872-1876. These conflicts pitted two main factions against each other:

• Carlists (Absolutists): Supported by parts of the nobility, clergy, and peasantry, primarily in the Basque Country, Navarre, Catalonia, Aragon, and Valencia.
• Isabelinos (Liberals): Supported by the bourgeoisie, court nobility, and lower classes in urban centers.

Key Political Figures of 19th Century Spain

Baldomero Espartero

A progressive general, Espartero governed from 1840 to 1843. He was later replaced by O'Donnell in a military coup in 1856.

Leopoldo O'Donnell

A moderate leader, O'Donnell governed during the second half of the 19th century (1856-1868), leading the Liberal Union.

Juan Prim

A progressive general, Prim led the insurrection in Cádiz and formed a provisional government with Serrano.

Francesc Pi i Margall

He served as the second president of the First Spanish Republic.

Antonio Cánovas del Castillo

A prominent conservative, Cánovas governed during the reign of Alfonso XII (1875-1881).

Práxedes Mateo Sagasta

A liberal and progressive politician, Sagasta served as president from 1881 to 1884, also during the reign of Alfonso XII.

Manuel Pavía

In 1874, General Pavía staged a coup, dissolving the Cortes.

Amadeo I of Spain (1871-1873)

Amadeo I reigned from 1871 to 1873 during the Democratic Sexenio. He received support primarily from liberals but ultimately had to abdicate in 1873 due to political instability.

The First Spanish Republic (1873-1874)

Established from 1873 to 1874, following Amadeo I's abdication. It was governed by a coalition of Radicals and Republicans, with presidents including Figueras, Pi i Margall, Salmerón, and Castelar.

• It aimed for a decentralized state structure (Federal Republic).
• The Republic faced significant challenges, including the Third Carlist War, the Cuban War of Independence, and the Cantonal Rebellion.

Loss of Spanish Colonies in 1898

By 1898, Spain's remaining independent colonies were Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

Caciquismo: Electoral Manipulation in Late 19th Century Spain

Caciquismo was a key feature of the constitutional system in late 19th-century Spain. A cacique was a powerful local figure who, having accumulated many favors and influence, could manipulate votes in desired locations, thereby deciding the outcome of elections.

The Treaty of Paris (1898)

Signed in 1898, this treaty concluded the Spanish-American War. The United States declared war on Spain after the sinking of an American battleship in Havana. As a result, Spain lost its remaining colonies (Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines) and signed a peace treaty with the United States in Paris.