Spain's Sexenio Democrático: From Revolution to Restoration

The Sexenio Democrático (1868-1874)

The Sexenio Democrático (Six Democratic Years) marked the first attempt in Spain to establish a democracy based on universal male suffrage. It originated with the September 1868 Revolution, which began with a pronunciamiento by Generals Prim and Serrano.

Provisional Government and the 1869 Constitution

After the triumph of the insurrection, a provisional government was formed, composed of Progressives (Prim, Sagasta) and Unionists (Topete), and chaired by Serrano. This new government held the power of the Courts and the executive branch. This situation, where the Democrats were not part of the government, led to a division within the Democratic Party. On one hand were the Cimbrian Democrats (led by Manuel Becerra), who believed in a political regime that respected democracy, and on the other hand were those who advocated for a federal republic (led by Figueras).

The provisional government called for elections to the Constituent Cortes in 1869. The new Parliament consisted of:

• Carlists: Right-wing, old-guard legitimist monarchists.
• Moderates: Supported the return of the Bourbon monarchy, based on the Constitution of 1845. Their leader was Cánovas del Castillo.
• Unionists, Progressives, and Cimbrian Democrats: Defended a democratic parliamentary monarchy and won a majority in the elections.
• Federal Republican Party: Were on the left wing and advocated for a change of regime and social legislation to protect workers.

The fundamental task of the Parliament was drawing up the Constitution of 1869, which included a more radical declaration of individual rights.

The First Republic and the Bourbon Restoration

This government's failure led to a new one chaired by Pi y Margall, who drafted the constitutional project of 1873. This republic was disrupted by the intransigent left of the Republicans, who promoted a spontaneous federalist movement in the summer of 1873. This movement sought to establish a federal structure immediately and directly. This turmoil pushed the Republic to the right, supported by the army. Following this, Salmerón and Castelar were installed as presidents.

The year 1874 was a period of transition between the First Spanish Republic and the restoration of the Bourbons. The government was taken over by Serrano, who was supported by veteran Liberal administrators. Finally, on December 29, 1874, the pronunciamiento of General Martínez Campos secured the Bourbon Restoration.