Spain's Restoration Era (1874-1902): Politics and the 1876 Constitution

The Restoration Regime (1874–1902)

The dominant classes (landowners, industrial bourgeoisie, and the Church) had the experience of the Sexenio Democrático and feared a revolutionary workers' movement. This led them to create a system that was apparently democratic but, in practice, prevented the participation of the popular classes in political life.

Foundations of the System

• Alternation in Power: The two dynastic parties alternated power (Conservative Party – Cánovas; Liberal Party – Sagasta).
• Monarchy: The King acted as a moderator and referee.
• Army: Granted autonomy in exchange for non-interference in politics.
• Constitution: Established in 1876.

The Conservative Party

The most resistant to change (immobilists); defenders of traditional Catholic and moral values; staunch defenders of the Bourbon monarchy.

The Liberal Party

Social groups most supportive of introducing some changes; generally defended secular and progressive positions.

The Peaceful Turno (Turno Pacífico)

The process of government change was managed, not electoral: Administrative weariness led the King to appoint a new government, which then called elections. The goal was to achieve a comfortable parliamentary majority to govern, achieved through the falsification of elections.

Opposition Forces to the System

The opposition was a much weaker option, suffering from the displeasure of its followers, repression by the authorities, and internal division.

• Republicans: Divided into different trends:
  • Castelar (Posibilista Party)
  • Ruiz Zorrilla (Progressive Republican Party, advocating the insurrectionary path to eliminate the monarchy)
  • Salmerón (Centralist Republicanism)
  • Admiral Valiente (Federal Republican Party)

  In 1893, the Republican Union was formed by Zorrilla, Salmerón, and Admiral Valiente.

• Carlism: Represented by the Traditionalist Party (established 1888).
• Socialists: Represented by the PSOE, led by Pablo Iglesias.
• Nationalists.

The Constitution of 1876

The new constitution established the principle of doctrinaire liberalism, where sovereignty was shared between the King and the Parliament. Key features included:

• Shared sovereignty between the Crown and the Parliament.
• Organization of Parliament into two chambers (Chamber of Deputies and Senate).
• Restoration of the confessionality of the State.
• Wide recognition of the bill of rights, though these rights were often not materialized in practice.

Structure and Royal Power

The King retained significant power:

• He was the Army Chief and Head of Government (able to appoint and dismiss ministers).
• He had the power to sanction and promulgate laws.
• He could summon and dissolve the Cortes.

The Cortes were bicameral, formed by a Congress and a Senate. Laws had to be passed by both chambers. Crucially, half of the senators were appointed by the King, ensuring that the Senate chamber remained submissive to the royal will.