Spanish Restoration: Bourbon Monarchy and Political Shifts

The Spanish Restoration (1874-1931): Bourbon Monarchy

The end of the First Spanish Republic coincided with the Carlist Wars and uprisings. Cánovas del Castillo formed the Alfonsist party, aiming to restore the Bourbon monarchy with Alfonso XII. After Isabel II abdicated, Cánovas became Alfonso XII's tutor and sent him to England. The Sandhurst Manifesto declared Spain a constitutional monarchy, followed by the pronunciamiento of Sagunto in 1874. Alfonso XII became king in 1875.

Cánovas and the Canovite Settlement

As a deputy in the 1869 Cortes, Cánovas opposed the 1869 Constitution, finding the liberty of religious practice unacceptable, and he also opposed universal suffrage. He admired the English political system for its stability and lack of revolutions, aiming to replicate it in Spain. Cánovas believed Spain's greatness stemmed from the union of the Crown and the Cortes. His aims were to assure political stability, prevent popular protests, diffuse revolutionary ideas, adopt a parliamentary monarchy, and allow progressive parties that accepted the monarchy to participate in politics.

The 1876 Constitution

In 1875, elections were held for the Cortes. Only parties accepting the Bourbon dynasty could participate, resulting in 45% abstention, mainly from conservatives. This gave a government majority to Cánovas' Conservative party. Cánovas drafted a new constitution in 1876, which was a compromise between Liberal and Moderate ideals. It was eclectic, incorporating Liberal aspects from the 1869 Constitution and Moderate aspects from the 1845 Constitution. Its characteristics included sovereignty residing in the Cortes and the king (with permanent veto power), a bicameral parliament, Catholicism as the state religion (with supervision of public education and a degree of censorship), and suffrage for adult males who paid a 25 pesetas annual land tax or a 50 pesetas annual industrial tax.

The Turno Pacífico

The "Turno Pacífico" system involved two official parties: the Conservatives, led by Cánovas, and the Progressives, led by Sagasta. The king acted as the arbiter of the system. This system relied heavily on Caciquismo, where the government negotiated with local caciques to ensure the election of government candidates in exchange for favors, particularly in rural areas.

1875-1898: Regency of Maria Cristina

Alfonso XII died, and his wife, Maria Cristina, became regent until Alfonso XIII came of age (1902-1931).

• Conservatives: Advocated for limited suffrage, imposed rigid controls, and centralized local and provincial administration, benefiting the industrial bourgeoisie and landowning elites.
• Liberals: Undid some repressive measures, brought back reforms from the Democratic Sexenio, expanded freedom of the press and association (facilitating union organizations), and reintroduced universal male suffrage.
• Opposition:
  • Carlists: Experienced a serious decline and internal divisions, with some organizing a faction called "Integristas".
  • Republicans: Faced internal divisions, leading to multiple small parties.

Conclusion of the Initial Restoration Period

The period was marked by political stability, despite political corruption through caciquismo, repression, and exclusion. There were no serious revolts. Prosperity and economic growth led to industrialization.

The Crisis of the Restoration System

The Disaster of 1898

Spain lost its American colonies, causing a significant psychological impact on the nation.

Regeneracionism

This political movement involved writers and intellectuals who criticized the Restoration. Joaquín Costa was a prominent figure, hoping for the mobilization of the middle classes.

Growing Opposition to the Restoration

• Republicans: The Radical Republican Party, formed in 1908, defended workers' interests.
• Anarchism, Socialism, and Labor Movements: Labor protests arose due to economic downturns, with waves of strikes and violence. The PSOE grew, and Pablo Iglesias was elected deputy.
• Regionalist Movements: These movements disrupted the Turno Pacífico system after the deaths of Sagasta and Cánovas, leading to party divisions. They defeated caciques and attempted to reform the political system.
• Army: The military became increasingly interventionist, with divisions between those stationed in Morocco and those on the Peninsula ("Peninsulares").

Division of the Parties

Cánovas was assassinated, and Sagasta died. New leaders emerged, but the two main parties became divided, leading to the breakdown of the Turno Pacífico in 1913.

The Question of Morocco

After losing its American colonies, Spain turned its attention to Morocco, viewing it as an alternative and a symbol of imperial grandeur. However, controlling Morocco proved difficult, leading to crises. Spain refused to renounce its claim, resulting in the Tragic Week and the Disaster of Annual.

The Tragic Week (1909)

Prime Minister Maura called up reservists to go to Morocco due to revolts. Many refused to go, leading to strikes. A general strike in Barcelona resulted in clashes between workers and the Civil Guard, leaving 600 workers dead.

Impact of World War I

Liberals supported the Allies, while left-wing Spaniards favored the Germans. Spain remained neutral, which initially benefited its industry through exports. The bourgeoisie accumulated wealth. However, the end of the war led to decreased exports, factory closures, and increased unemployment.

The Crisis of 1917

The working class, influenced by regenerationist ideas, demanded better pay and working conditions. Revolutionary movements emerged. The Cortes was temporarily closed due to the crisis.

The End of the Restoration System

Social conflicts and economic depression intensified. The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 inspired further unrest. There were constant changes in government. The oligarchy and business elites increasingly favored a dictatorship. The Disaster of Annual, where 9,000 Spanish soldiers died, further destabilized the system. Primo de Rivera staged a coup, marking the end of the Restoration system.