Spain's Restoration Era: Politics, War, and Economy

The Spanish Restoration (1874-1931)

Restoration continued until 1931. This restoration was made possible by an agreement between the major political parties and the government. Antonio Cánovas del Castillo was its architect.

Pillars of the Restoration System

• The introduction of a hereditary constitutional monarchy.
• The establishment of courts composed of two chambers.
• The promulgation of the Constitution of 1876: suffrage shared sovereignty between the Cortes and the King, a collaboration between the legislative and executive powers, and a bill of rights and freedoms for citizens.
• Bipartisanship: Coexistence of two parties: the Conservative (moderate and heir to the Unionists) and the Liberal Progressives (heir).

Reign of Alfonso XII (1874-1885)

Challenges During Alfonso XII's Reign

• The opposition of the Carlist and Republican parties.
• The resurgence of regionalism.
• The development of the labor movement and its forms of struggle.

The Disaster of 1898 and Its Aftermath

With the death of the King, the regency of his wife, María Cristina of Hapsburg, initiated. The *Disaster of '98* took place in 1898 when Spain lost its last overseas colonies. The conflict arose when Cuba, which sought independence, received U.S. aid. The Americans defeated the Spanish in Cavite and Santiago de Cuba. Finally, Spain signed the Treaty of Paris, which acknowledged the independence of Cuba and ceded to the United States the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

Spanish Economy During the Restoration

Agriculture: Foundation of the Economy

Agriculture was the base of the country's economy. Agricultural production increased by expanding the areas planted with cereals and vines, but suffered a crisis due to *phylloxera*.

Industrialization: Slow and Late Development

Spanish industrialization was slow and late.

Key Industrial Sectors

• Textiles: One of the most innovative sectors in Spain. However, wool and silk industries could not compete in international markets.
• Iron and Steel: The steel industry began a process of modernization. Large companies were founded but could not overcome problems such as reduced demand and fuel shortages.

Major Industrial Areas

• Catalonia: Gave a boost to the textile industry.
• Vizcaya and Asturias: Where the steel industry developed through the export of iron and growth of the shipping industry and metallurgy.