Spain's Tumultuous Transition: From Revolution to Republic (1868-1874)
The Democratic Sexennium and Glorious Revolution (1868-1874)
The period began with the September 1868 Revolution, also known as the Glorious Revolution. General Juan Bautista Topete led a military uprising. On September 28, he won a decisive battle, marking a turning point in the revolution. The government resigned, and Queen Isabella II was exiled. Revolutionary juntas were formed, appointing an interim government and General Francisco Serrano as regent. The new government promulgated a series of decrees to satisfy popular demands.
The Constitution of 1869, considered a pioneering democratic document, established a comprehensive system of rights and freedoms. It proclaimed national sovereignty and declared Spain a monarchical state, but the power to make laws resided with the Cortes. One of the key objectives was to reorient economic policies; public debt amounted to 22,109 million. A significant action was the liberalization of foreign trade through a new tariff framework law. While the Constitution of 1869 consolidated a political regime based on liberal principles, it ultimately frustrated other democratic aspirations.
The Reign of Amadeo I (1870-1873)
General Juan Prim chose Amadeo of Savoy, who faced little support and significant opposition from the aristocracy and a segment of the moderate army. Monarchists organized for the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy under Prince Alfonso. Carlists saw an opportunity to place Charles VII on the throne. Amidst the conflict in Cuba and various domestic difficulties, Amadeo submitted his resignation.
The First Spanish Republic (1873-1874)
The First Spanish Republic was proclaimed on February 11, 1873. Estanislao Figueras was elected to chair the government. A significant portion of the Cortes, which approved the Republic, viewed it as a temporary strategy to gain time and organize the return of the Bourbons.
On June 1, the Federal Republic was proclaimed. The draft federal constitution, in line with the 1869 Constitution, proposed a president, a Senate, and a Congress. Its novel aspect was the proposed structure into 17 states.
The most serious conflict during the Republican period was *cantonalism*, a phenomenon where regional autonomist aspirations mingled with social revolutionary demands. Francisco Pi y Margall resigned as president due to his opposition to suppressing the movement by force. He was replaced by Nicolás Salmerón, who initiated a military offensive against the Cantonalist movement. Salmerón was then replaced by Emilio Castelar, who attempted to implement a policy of authority and strong central power to control the escalating problems.