Spanish Democratic Sexennium 1868-1874: Key Events

The Six Democratic Years: 1868-1874

The combination of Moderate Liberalism's exhaustion and the severe economic crisis of 1866–1868 fueled opposition to the regime of Isabella II (the Elizabethan regime). This opposition culminated in the September Revolution of 1868, initiating a period of democratic experimentation in Spain, characterized by the 1869 Constitution, the monarchy of Amadeo I, and, following its failure, the experience of the First Republic.

Causes of the 1868 Revolution

Decline of the Moderate Regime

• Exhaustion of the Moderate political system.
• Growing opposition to the regime of Isabella II, formalized by the Pact of Ostend (1866).
• The government of González Bravo employed harsh repressive measures and reduced the budget, notably affecting the military (e.g., the Navy budget).

Economic Crisis (1866–1868)

A dual crisis affected Spain:

• Traditional Crisis: Subsistence crisis due to poor harvests.
• Financial and Industrial Crisis: Collapse of railway investments and banking failures.

The September Revolution of 1868 (La Gloriosa)

The revolution began with a military uprising in Cádiz in September 1868. Following the decisive defeat of the royalist forces at the Battle of Alcolea, Isabella II was forced to leave Spain.

Building Democracy and Political Instability (1868–1870)

• The Democratic Constitution of 1869 was established, introducing universal male suffrage and extensive rights.
• General Serrano was appointed Regent, and General Prim became Head of Government, implementing significant liberal measures.

This period was immediately plagued by new conflicts:

• The Ten Years' War in Cuba (1868–1878).
• The Carlist Resurgence (leading to the Third Carlist War).
• Republican opposition and multiple social conflicts, including labor unrest.

The Reign of Amadeo I of Savoy (1870–1873)

Amadeo I, a democratic monarch, faced immediate challenges. His reign was marked by extreme political instability (six governments and three general elections in just over two years).

Causes of the failure of the democratic monarchy:

• The assassination of General Prim, his main political supporter, upon arrival.
• The outbreak of the Third Carlist War (1872).
• Strong opposition from the Alfonsine Party (seeking the restoration of the Bourbons).
• Labor crises, colonial agitations, and constant opposition from the Republicans.

Amadeo I abdicated in February 1873, leading directly to the Proclamation of the Republic.

The First Spanish Republic (February 1873–January 1874)

The First Republic was characterized by rapid succession of four presidents and profound internal divisions (Unitary vs. Federal).

Estanislao Figueras' Presidency

• Governed by a coalition of Radicals and Unitary Republicans.
• Key problems included an exhausted treasury, social demands, the Third Carlist War, and the War of Cuba.

Actions taken:

• Broad amnesty granted.
• Abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico.
• Abolition of the quintas (forced military conscription).

Constitutional Courts were called, resulting in a victory for the Federal Republicans.

Francisco Pi y Maragall's Presidency

• Aimed to establish a Federal Republic and drafted a Federal Constitution.
• His term was dominated by the Revolt of the Cantons (Cantonalism), leading to his resignation.

Nicolás Salmerón's Presidency

• Suppressed the activities of the International Workingmen's Association (AIT).
• Relied heavily on the army to quell the Cantonal insurrection.
• Resigned due to moral objections to signing death sentences.

Emilio Castelar's Presidency

• Primary goal was to restore order and central authority.
• The Republic ended abruptly with the Coup of General Pavía in January 1874.

The End of the Republic and Bourbon Restoration (1874)

Following Pavía's coup, a government headed by General Serrano was formed. Serrano ruled with an authoritarian hand but lacked broad support.

This instability strengthened the political project of Cánovas del Castillo to restore the Bourbon monarchy.

On December 29, 1874, the Pronouncement of Martínez Campos in Sagunto proclaimed Alfonso XII King of Spain, initiating the period known as the Restoration.

Legacy of the Sexenio Democrático

The 1869 Constitution successfully introduced a democratic framework to Spain, but the resulting democratic monarchy was short-lived. When the king abdicated, the Cortes proclaimed the Republic.

Ultimately, the profound political instability, marked by wars and internal conflicts throughout the Sexenio Democrático, provided the necessary context for Cánovas del Castillo to successfully execute the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy under Alfonso XII, thereby beginning the long period of the Spanish Restoration.