Spain's Tumultuous Era: Isabel II, Amadeo I & Restoration

End of Isabel II's Reign and Political Unrest

In the final years of Isabel II's reign, political, economic, and social unrest spread throughout Spain.

Factors Leading to Isabel II's Downfall

• The economic crisis led to rural and urban revolts.
• Progressives, Republicans, and Democrats were excluded from the government and rejected the conservatism of the ruling powers.
• The bourgeoisie and the army distanced themselves from the regime due to its authoritarianism.
• The Queen grew increasingly unpopular.

The Pact of Ostend (1866)

In 1866, Progressives, Democrats, and Republicans signed the Pact of Ostend, in which they agreed to overthrow Isabel II and establish a democratic Spain. The Unión Liberal joined the pact in 1868.

The 1868 Revolution: La Gloriosa

In September 1868, the revolution known as La Gloriosa broke out.

• Generals Serrano and Prim led a pronunciamiento (military coup).
• Revolutionary juntas (committees) were created to control the provinces and cities.

The Queen was forced to leave Spain. A provisional government was led by Serrano. He called elections for a constituent Parliament.

The Constitution of 1869

The Parliament passed the Constitution of 1869, which included:

• A declaration of rights.
• Universal male suffrage.

The monarchy was maintained until a suitable monarch could be elected.

The Reign of Amadeo I (1871-1873)

Amadeo of Savoy became King Amadeo I. He was a democratic king, but faced significant opposition.

Challenges and Abdication

• Monarchists, Republicans, and the Church opposed him.
• As a foreigner, he was rejected by many people.
• During his reign, a war broke out in Cuba, and a new Carlist War began.

Facing these challenges, Amadeo I abdicated in 1873.

The Bourbon Restoration: Alfonso XII

Return of the Monarchy (1874)

In 1874, General Martínez Campos proclaimed Isabel II's son, Alfonso XII, as King. This marked the beginning of a new political era called La Restauración (The Restoration).

Cánovas del Castillo's Role

The new King supported a constitutional monarchy. Antonio Cánovas del Castillo became President of the Government. Cánovas successfully ended both the war in Cuba and the Carlist War. He also established a new constitutional regime.

The Restoration System: Constitution and Turnismo

The Restoration was based on two main pillars: a new constitution and the alternation of power between the two main political parties.

The Constitution of 1876

The Constitution of 1876 aimed to maintain peace and stability. Key features included:

• It included a broad list of rights and freedoms, intended to satisfy Progressives and Democrats.
• It proclaimed Spain a Catholic state and established shared sovereignty between the Cortes (Parliament) and the King, designed to satisfy Moderates.

The Party System: Turnismo

A system known as Turnismo (peaceful alternation) was established, where two parties alternated in government:

• Conservatives, led by Cánovas del Castillo.
• Liberals, led by Práxedes Mateo Sagasta.

Excluded Groups

Other political groups were excluded from gaining power under this system, including:

• Republicans
• Carlists
• Socialist and Anarchist workers' movements