Spanish Political History: From Philip V to the First Republic

The New Order and Bourbon Reforms

Philip V undertook important reforms in the administration, inspired by the French model. The Nueva Planta decrees were applied to the former Crown of Aragon:

• Aragon and Valencia (1707)
• Mallorca (1715)
• Catalonia (1716)

These decrees suppressed local charters and institutions. Each region established a Captain General (formerly Viceroy) and an Audiencia, establishing a new taxation system. This set up a centralized state, only respecting the privileges of Navarra and the Basque Country.

Foreign Policy and Military Recovery

The foreign policy of Philip V was aimed at the recovery of the Peace of Utrecht. Alberoni boosted the reappearance of the Spanish military force in Italy. Philip V signed two of the three Family Pacts that sealed the cooperation with France, while José Patiño rebuilt the Spanish navy.

The Spanish Constitution of 1869

The main objective of the interim government was drafting a new constitution. Constituent Cortes were convened with universal male suffrage. Although the coalition won the government, the Republicans won significant representation, highlighting the democratic character of the process and the presence of Carlism.

The document recognized the principle of national sovereignty and established the division of powers, the right of assembly and association, and freedom of worship. The form of state was a democratic monarchy, which defined the Cortes as a bicameral body and the government as a collegiate body which exercises executive power.

The First Spanish Republic

Estanislao Figueras was the first president but soon collided with the Federal Republicans. Pi i Maragall was president then, but was overwhelmed by the revolution of the cantons and resigned, succeeded by Salmerón.

Salmerón restored order and suppressed international labor movements, but he eventually resigned over issues of conscience. Emilio Castelar, a professor at Central University, was elected as the new government president. The rightward turn of Castelar and his call to the army to keep order led left-wing members to seek his resignation to steer the republic back toward the left. The coup of General Pavía disbanded the Constituent Cortes, ending the First Republic.