The Short-Lived First Spanish Republic: 1873-1874

The First Spanish Republic

The Proclamation of the Republic

When Amadeo I abdicated, it was easier to proclaim a republic, the first in Spanish history. The First Spanish Republic was approved on February 11, 1873, by a large majority. Estanislao Figueras was elected to head the republic. Many voted for the republic as a strategy to gain time to arrange the return of the Bourbons to the throne. Therefore, the republic did not have much chance of success and suffered international isolation. The popular classes received the republic with enthusiasm because they thought it would improve their social lives. In the cities, there were popular protests to demand improvements in working hours, wages, and other conditions.

The Attempt to Establish a Federal Republic

The courts were opened in June 1873, and they proclaimed the Federal Democratic Republic. Estanislao Figueras was initially elected to chair but resigned, leaving the government in the hands of Francisco Pi y Margall. Major reforms were intended, such as the separation of church and state, increased discipline in the state, and other measures. However, the short-lived republic did not have time to implement all of these.

The Draft Federal Constitution

In July, the courts presented a new draft constitution, but it was neither discussed nor approved. The proposal for a federal republican constitution was in line with the Constitution of 1869, establishing democracy but with an extent of rights and freedoms. The most novel aspect was that the nation was to be composed of 17 states. For the first time, the state was not a centralized state.

Armed Conflict

The First Republic faced major problems, including Carlist uprisings, and the ongoing war in Cuba.

The Cantonal Uprising

The Cantonal Uprising was a complex phenomenon that mixed autonomist aspirations with the aspirations of social revolutions. The proclamation of independent cantons was the consequence of implementing a radical federal structure that sought social reforms. In areas with many Republicans, separate cantons were established. The protagonists of the uprisings were groups of people such as artisans and shopkeepers. They were led by generals disappointed with the events of the new republic. President Pi y Margall declined to fight against the revolt and resigned. He was replaced by Nicolás Salmerón, who initiated military action against the Cantonalist movement. Salmerón resigned because he felt unable to sign the imposed death sentences, and the presidency went to Emilio Castelar. From this time, the republic was shifting to the right.