Spain's 1876 Constitution & PSOE's Foundational Program

The Spanish Constitution of 1876

This legal-legislative text presents selected articles from the Constitution of 1876, the longest-lasting in Spanish history, established during the reign of Alfonso XII. Its authors can be considered the deputies led by Cánovas del Castillo, acting as representatives of the nation, always with the King's approval. It addressed the Spanish people across the territories of Spain, Cuba, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico.

Historical Context

To understand the context, it's important to note the events preceding the Constitution. During the Sexenio Democrático (Democratic Six-Year Period), the ideologue Cánovas del Castillo prepared and formed the Alfonsist Restoration party. Following the failure of the First Republic, marked by General Pavía's coup d'état on January 2, 1874, and the subsequent dissolution of the Cortes (parliament), the pronunciamiento (military uprising) of Martínez Campos initiated the Restoration period (1875-1931), coinciding with the reign of Alfonso XII (1875-1885). During his reign, Cánovas aimed to avoid the failures of Isabella II's rule. To achieve this, his government was based on the British model, featuring:

• Monarchy
• Parliament
• Bipartisanship (Liberals and Conservatives)
• A Constitution

Cánovas' Objectives

Upon Alfonso XII's arrival in Spain on January 9, 1875, Cánovas reaffirmed his confidence in the government. As head of government, he initiated efforts to achieve several objectives:

• Adapt the political system to reality.
• Create a new constitution.
• Address ongoing military problems (like the Carlist War and the Cuban War).

Drafting the Constitution

Consequently, elections for the Constituent Cortes (parliament) were held in December 1875 under universal male suffrage, although characterized by manipulation and high abstention rates. These Cortes devised the 1876 Constitution, reflecting Cánovas' preferences and incorporating some elements from the Constitution of 1869.

Longevity and Suspension

This constitution remained in force for nearly fifty years without interruption, from 1876 until 1923. It was suspended during the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923-1930) and was ultimately replaced upon the proclamation of the Second Republic in 1931.

Nature of the Constitution

Furthermore, this new constitution aimed to break with previous constitutions that solely represented the partisan political approach of a specific sector of liberalism. While based on the moderate Constitution of 1845, it also incorporated progressive aspects from the Constitution of 1869, such as a Bill of Rights.

The Early PSOE Program (1880)

This political text contains fragments from the program of the newly created Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). It functions as a political proclamation or manifesto, public in nature, drafted by Pablo Iglesias, founder of the PSOE, in Madrid around 1880. The content reflects Marxist analysis and programmatic goals.

Context: Labor Movement Origins

The text originates from a period shaped by the Industrial Revolution, which, from the early 19th century, spurred the emergence of the labor movement. Starting in the 1830s, workers formed mutual aid societies for protection against illness or job loss. Despite bans on association, between 1842 and 1855, workers managed to organize these societies, led from 1855 by the Central Board of Directors of the Working Class.

The Restoration System and Opposition

The Restoration system (1875-1931), based on a broad bipartisanship, marginalized various political and social sectors. Due to their diversity, these groups were often unable to propose a unified alternative to the regime. Key marginalized sectors included Republicanism, Carlism, and the labor movement.

Development of the Labor Movement

From the 1870s onwards, the labor movement began developing more precise political and ideological positions. However, its scope for action during the Restoration was limited due to restricted freedoms, lack of integration into the political system, and internal fragmentation. The main ideological strands in the last third of the 19th century were:

• Socialism
• Anarchism

Founding of PSOE and UGT

To advance socialist ideas, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) was founded in Madrid in 1879, led by Pablo Iglesias. In 1881, taking advantage of the new Law of Associations under Sagasta's Liberal government, the party was officially registered. The formation of the Republican-Socialist Conjunction in 1910 allowed the PSOE to achieve its first parliamentary representation (a deputy seat for Iglesias). In 1888, the socialist trade union, Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT), was established in Barcelona.

PSOE Today

The PSOE continues to exist today, although its objectives and program differ significantly from those established in 1879.