Spain's Political Turmoil: 1856-1898

The Isabel II System Crisis (1856-1868)

The last stage was dominated by the return of the Moderate Party to power and its alternation with the Liberal Union. The Moderate Party had gained international prestige with colonial pretensions. Internally, the action of the government was very authoritarian, acting outside of the courts and exercising strong repression against political groups. Opposition to the regime was growing, and new political groups emerged, such as the Democrats, who defended universal suffrage, and the Republicans, who advocated the abolition of the monarchy.

The Revolution of 1868

The political and economic crisis triggered the first revolution against the monarchy. The Unionists, Progressives, and Democrats joined forces to present the first alternative to the system, based on the democratization of political life and economic recovery. Led by Serrano, Prim, and Topete, the uprising began with the squadron of Brigadier Topete in the Bay of Cadiz. The pronouncement was followed by revolts in the main cities, where revolutionary juntas were formed. A provisional government was formed, with Prim and Serrano at the forefront, implementing a reform program. Fundamental rights and universal suffrage were recognized. The new courts finally approved the Constitution of 1869, which had a democratic character.

The Reign of Amadeo I (1871-1873)

A new king had to be found, and Amadeo of Savoy was chosen, a young man from the Italian royal house with a democratic conception. However, he always faced opposition from the Moderates, the Carlists, and the Church. His supporters were the Progressives and Unionists, but these groups were divided and did not constitute strong support for the new monarch. On the other hand, many Democrats proclaimed themselves Republicans and promoted some insurrections for the Republic. In addition, he had to face two armed conflicts: an insurrection on the island of Cuba and a new Carlist War. Lacking support, Amadeo of Savoy resigned in 1873.

The Canovas System

• Conservative Party: Led by Canovas, it favored political stagnation, the defense of the social order, and the Church.
• Liberal Party: Headed by Praxedes Sagasta, it seemed inclined towards a reformism of a more democratic, secular, and social character.

Both parties agreed ideologically on essential matters and assumed complementary roles.

The Alternation of Power

The Liberals and Conservatives controlled Spanish political life and alternated in power for more than 40 years. The alternation in government was due to a corrupt electoral system that manipulated elections and did not hesitate to falsify records or buy votes. All coercive practices were used on the electorate, taking advantage of the political influence and economic power that certain individuals exercised over society, especially in rural areas.

The Rise of Nationalism

In Catalonia, the Renaixença, a cultural movement that vindicated the Catalan language and culture, gained strong momentum and gave way to political organizations that demanded autonomy for Catalonia. In the Basque Country, the abolition of the jurisdictions generated a protest movement that culminated in the creation of the Basque Nationalist Party. Galicianism remained for many years as a cultural movement.

The Crisis of 1898

In 1895, a Cuban insurrection was caused by the Spanish administrative incapacity to carry out reforms on the island of Cuba and the refusal to grant autonomy. In addition, the economic policy favored Spanish sectors and hindered trade with the United States. Spain sent troops to Cuba to confront the insurrection. The conflict ended in 1898, when the United States declared war on Spain, following the sinking of an American battleship in the port of Havana. Spain was defeated and lost its last colonies. This provoked in society a state of deep-rooted frustration and a strong sense of pessimism.

Carlist Wars

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