Spain's Restoration Era: Politics, Constitution, and Colonial Loss
The Spanish Restoration (1874-1923)
Proclamation of Alfonso XII
A society tired of instability, *Alfonsinos*, San Manifest Hurst, and Martínez Campos welcomed the new king.
Doctrinal Principles of the Restoration
The system designed by Cánovas and Sagasta had key doctrinal principles:
- Overcoming instability
- Internal constitution
- Citizenship against militarism
- Pact between political forces
The Constitution of 1876
Key features included:
- Balance of powers
- Moderate liberalism
- Rights of the Spanish Cortes
- The Congress of Deputies
- Electoral law
- Parliamentary monarchy
- A long-lasting monarchy
Functioning of the Restoration's Political System
Political Parties
Cánovas admired the British two-party system. The two main Liberal parties were Sagasta's and Cánovas's Conservative party. Other political factions existed, as did anti-dynastic parties like the Carlists, Socialists, and Anarchists.
Peaceful Alternation of Political Parties
Power was supposed to abide by the election results, allowing for the alternation of parties. However, this was often achieved through *caciquismo* and electoral rigging:
- Carrying out of the 'turn' (alternation)
- Civil governors manipulating votes through *caciques*
- Widespread rigging
Oligarchy and Despotism
The ruling oligarchy, composed of local chiefs who dominated their inhabitants, often led to despotism, especially in Mediterranean Europe due to widespread illiteracy.
Caciquismo: Origin of the Crisis
While the alternation of power provided stability, *caciques* often neglected their constituencies, and corruption was normalized.
Spanish Politics Under Alfonso XII and Maria Cristina
Cánovas sought consensus between the Church and the Army. The Army and Throne began to abandon pronouncements. The Church and State maintained relations through the confessional. Cánovas's system defeated Carlist strongholds but failed to pacify Cuba (despite the Zanjón Agreement). Provincial and municipal laws emerged, and trade codes were updated.
End of Colonial Rule and Its Implications
Spain lost its last colonies, a significant blow that led to the Crisis of '98.
Reasons for the Outbreak
- Lack of a coherent colonial policy
- New distribution of colonies globally
- U.S. imperialism turning its attention to Spanish territories
The War in the Caribbean and the Philippines
The war in Cuba was led by José Martí, author of the Manifesto of Montecristi. Martínez Campos initially crushed the insurrection, but the government sent further troops.