Spain's 1868 Revolution and the 1876 Constitution Explained

Manifesto of Spain with Honors (1868)

The Manifesto of Spain with Honors is a pivotal political text from September 1868, drafted in Cádiz by Generals Prim, Serrano, Dulce, and Admiral Topete, among others. It marks the onset of the Glorious Revolution—a political rather than social movement—which ended the reign of Isabella II following a dual economic crisis (agrarian in 1866-67 and financial).

Context of the 1868 Revolution

• Political Unrest: The Night of Saint Daniel (1865) and the progressive uprising of sergeants at the San Gil barracks.
• Pact of Ostende (1866): An alliance between liberal progressives, the Liberal Union, and Republicans against Isabella II.
• Revolutionary Councils: During this period, revolutionary councils assumed power, starting in Andalusia and expanding nationwide before being dissolved by the government of Serrano.

The movement sought a union of conservative liberals against the Queen, garnering support from the bourgeoisie, clergy, and popular classes. They advocated for:

• Universal male suffrage.
• Constitutional freedom.
• Decentralization and local autonomy.

These ideals were reflected in the Constitution of 1869, the most democratic document of the 19th century. The revolution culminated in the confrontation between peasant forces and the royalist army at Alcolea.

The Constitution of 1876

The Constitution of 1876 served as the legal foundation for the Restoration, led by Cánovas del Castillo and King Alfonso XII. Following the end of the First Republic and the pronouncement of Martínez Campos at Sagunto (supported by the Sandhurst Manifesto of 1874), the Bourbon monarchy was restored.

Key Features of the 1876 Constitution

• Objective: To bridge the gap between the precedents of 1845 and 1869, creating an inclusive framework for a constitutional monarchy.
• Longevity: It remained the longest-standing constitution in Spanish history until the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera in 1923.
• Shared Sovereignty: Power was shared between the King and the Cortes.
• Bicameralism: A Congress of Deputies elected by suffrage and a Senate composed of life members appointed by the King.
• Political System: Established the turnismo (peaceful rotation of power between parties).

While the document guaranteed certain rights and freedoms, it maintained censorship regarding the monarchy. Catholicism remained the official state religion, and universal suffrage was replaced by census suffrage in 1878.