Spain's Progressive Biennium and the 1868 Revolution

The Progressive Biennium (1854-1856) and its Aftermath

During the Progressive Biennium (1854-1856), the second stage of the confiscation took place with Madoz (1855-1867), along with the railroad law. Progressives came to power through a ruling by O'Donnell, "the Vicalvarada," in 1854. This initiated a progressive political reform to displace the moderates from the Constitution of 1845. Espartero developed a new constitution in 1856, but it did not come into force. The last years of Isabella II's reign were under the mandate of the Liberal Union, led by General O'Donnell. This union gathered the more advanced moderates and more moderate liberals (led by Narvaez), marginalizing progressives and Democrats.

In 1866, a political crisis combined with economic, social, and financial crises. Progressives and Democrats signed the Pact of Ostend, agreeing to overthrow Isabella II and initiate a new political revolution in 1868. The "Glorious" Revolution originated in the internal contradictions of the 1845 regime and represented the triumph of radical liberalism and democracy. Initiated by Topete in Cadiz and supported by the bourgeoisie, the revolution led to the emergence of worker associations.

Political Instability (1868-1874)

The period between 1868 and 1874 was characterized by extreme political instability. Constituent courts were convened, producing a new democratic constitution in 1869. After its passage, and while searching for a king, the courts established a provisional government (1869-1871) with Serrano as president and Prim as chief of government. Finally, Amadeo of Savoy was elected as the new king.

The Monarchy of Amadeo I (1871-1873)

The Monarchy of Amadeo I (1871-1873) was characterized by social and political instability. Prim was assassinated, Amadeo had little support from political parties, the Third Carlist War (1872) began, and the Ten Years' War (1868-1878) continued. Due to all of this, Amadeo abdicated in 1873, and the courts proclaimed the First Republic.

The First Republic (1873-1874)

The First Republic (1873-1874) was brief and unstable. Four presidents succeeded each other as head of the executive power: Figueras (in favor of a unitary republic), Pi i Margall (supporter of a federal republic), Salmerón (cantonalist), and Castelar (adopting a more moderate position). In 1874, the coup of Pavia ended the republic. A government was established, chaired by Serrano, and his dictatorship served as a step towards the restoration of the Bourbons. Martínez Campos precipitated the restoration with a *pronunciamiento* in Sagunto in 1874, proclaiming Alfonso XII, Isabella II's son, King of Spain.