Spain's Democratic Sexennium: Revolution and Republic (1868–1874)

The Revolutionary Sexenio in Spain (1868–1874)

The **1868–1874** period in the history of Spain is defined by the revolution that led to the deposition of the monarch, the search for a new monarchy, and the establishment of a republic. This era is known as the **Revolutionary Sexenio**.

The Glorious Revolution (1868)

(The Septembrina or Glorious Revolution). The severe economic situation triggered a political crisis that explains the success of the uprising against the throne of Isabel II in 1868.

Key Characteristics of the Revolution

1. It originated from the **Pact of Ostend** (1866), which provided for the dethronement of Isabel II and the call for a Constituent Assembly.
2. The revolutionary uprising was based on urban and peasant revolt, organized into "Revolutionary Juntas." Their common goal was the abolition of the army and Civil Guard, replacing them with the National Militia.
3. The main leaders were military figures (Prim and Serrano) and civilians (Pi i Maragall, Castelar), and the movement developed primarily in the Mediterranean-Andalusian area.

The events began with the declaration of Admiral Topete in Cádiz, followed by the occupation of Madrid and the Queen's flight to France.

A provisional government was formed, headed by General Serrano. Decrees were issued authorizing workers' associations and universal male suffrage. This government dissolved the Revolutionary Juntas and convened the Constituent Cortes.

The Constitution of 1869

The Cortes, elected by universal male suffrage, met and made the following decisions:

• Transforming the Interim Government into the Executive.
• Drafting a constitution.
• Appointing a regency led by General Serrano, who appointed General Prim as Head of Government.

The Constitution established a constitutional monarchy as the form of government and a bicameral representative system chosen by universal male suffrage. A monarch was sought for the throne, and Parliament elected **Amadeo of Savoy**.

The Monarchy of Amadeo I (1871–1873)

Amadeo was the son of Victor Emmanuel II, King of Italy. This was Spain's first popularly elected monarchy. Serrano and Prim were appointed to chair the government. However, Prim was assassinated days before the King's arrival, resulting in a significant loss of support.

Major Challenges Faced by Amadeo I

The monarchy faced four major problems:

• The Third Carlist War.
• Cuba's First War (Ten Years' War).
• Labor unrest.
• Intense inter-party conflict.

This last problem led the King to resign. On the same day, Congress and the Senate proclaimed the **First Spanish Republic**.

The First Spanish Republic (1873–1874)

It lasted ten months. During this time, the executive was in the hands of four presidents (Figueras, Pi i Maragall, Salmerón, and Castelar), and the government took two forms: federal and authoritarian.

The Federal Republic (1873)

Presidents Figueras and Pi i Maragall advocated for church-state separation and the subdivision of the country into thirteen states. Before the proclamation of the Constitution, the **cantonalist movement** erupted alongside social conflict, threatening the physical existence of Spain as a nation.

The Authoritarian Republic (1874)

President Castelar obtained near-authoritarian powers from the two houses to restore national unity. However, the period ended with the **Coup d'état of General Pavía**, which crushed the cantonal movement and dissolved the Cortes. General Serrano subsequently took power, establishing a dictatorship.