The First Spanish Republic: Reforms and Political Crisis

Reforms of the First Spanish Republic

The four heads of government who served in a short period (Estanislao Figueras, Pi y Margall, Nicolás Salmerón, and Emilio Castelar) had to cope with the division within republicanism and the most intransigent factions who demanded social change.

In the May 1873 elections, the Republicans triumphed; however, the abstention rate was high, and only the Radical Party was present. Key measures implemented by the Republicans in 1873 included:

• Suppression and elimination of the consumption tax.
• Abolition of the "fifths" (conscription).
• Reduction of the voting age to 21.
• Separation of church and state: official religion and the state budget for the clergy disappeared.
• A ban on children under 10 working in mines and factories.
• Abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico, though it remained in Cuba.

A draft for national sovereignty was presented to the Assembly, though it was not ultimately approved. It expanded the declaration of rights and liberties, referenced popular sovereignty, and proposed a conversion into a federal state, recognizing the decentralization of public authorities. The 17 states would have had ample economic autonomy and provided a territorial solution to the problem.

Rising Political Instability and the Crisis of 1871

After the death of General Prim, the breakdown of coalition parties occurred alongside a worsening political situation. After Amadeo I swore to the constitution, he appointed Serrano as president of a coalition government between progressives and unionists. They triumphed in the 1871 elections despite the presence of Alfonsists, Republicans, and Carlists.

However, the ruling parties eventually split into:

• The Constitutionalist Party (led by Práxedes Mateo Sagasta): Composed of moderate elements of liberalism in a firm alliance with Serrano's Unionists and Cánovas' group. They believed the revolution was complete and aimed to ensure order and property.
• The Radical Party (led by Ruiz Zorrilla): Composed of the most reformist former Democrats and progressives. They believed that reform must continue through economic and social measures.

This rupture changed the democratic monarchy's parliamentary alliances, which opponents of the system (Carlists, Alfonsists, and federal Republicans) exploited to sharpen the crisis. This instability led to a succession of six separate governments and two elections (April and August 1872). Beyond parliamentary disaffection, the August elections saw a turnout of only 47% of individuals with voting rights.