Forging a New Spain
The Glorious Revolution of 1868: A pivotal moment that deposed Queen Isabella II and initiated Spain's turbulent 'Democratic Sexennium'.
Historical Context 📜 The Revolution ⚔️Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
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Historical Context
Mounting Discontent
The mid-19th century in Spain was marked by significant political instability and growing dissatisfaction with the Bourbon monarchy. Queen Isabella II's reign was characterized by authoritarian tendencies, perceived incompetence, and a reliance on conservative factions, alienating liberal and progressive elements within the country.[1]
Previous attempts to challenge the monarchy, such as the revolts of 1854 and 1861, signaled deep-seated unrest. The failed uprising of sergeants in Madrid in 1866, led by General Juan Prim, further demonstrated the vulnerability of the existing regime and provided an opportunity for exiled liberals and republicans to consolidate their opposition.
Opposition Alliances
Exiled Spanish liberals and republicans forged strategic alliances abroad, notably at Ostend in 1866 and Brussels in 1867. These agreements aimed not merely to replace the current Prime Minister but to fundamentally overthrow Queen Isabella II, whom they viewed as the root cause of Spain's persistent difficulties.[further explanation needed]
The death of Leopoldo O'Donnell in 1867 weakened the Liberal Union party, prompting many of its supporters, who had previously bridged ideological divides, to join the burgeoning movement against Isabella. This broad-based opposition, encompassing moderates, progressives, and democrats, created a potent force for change.
The Revolution
The Spark in Cádiz
The revolution commenced in September 1868 with a naval mutiny in Cádiz, led by Admiral Juan Bautista Topete. This port city held historical significance, echoing Rafael del Riego's 1820 coup against Isabella II's father, Ferdinand VII.
The mutiny quickly escalated as Generals Juan Prim and Francisco Serrano declared their opposition to the government, rallying significant military support. Much of the Spanish army defected to the revolutionary cause upon the generals' arrival.
Battle of Alcolea
Queen Isabella's loyalist forces, under the command of General Manuel Pavía, attempted to quell the uprising. However, they were decisively defeated by General Serrano's revolutionary army at the Battle of Alcolea on 28 September 1868.
Following this military setback, Queen Isabella II was compelled to abdicate and flee to France, ending her reign and marking the success of the Glorious Revolution.
Consequences and Transition
Establishing a New Order
The immediate aftermath of the revolution saw the formation of a Provisional Government, tasked with navigating Spain's political future. The coalition that had overthrown Isabella faced the considerable challenge of establishing a stable and acceptable form of governance. Initially, the Cortes rejected the idea of a republic, opting instead to search for a new monarch.
Francisco Serrano was appointed regent, and in 1869, the Cortes promulgated a new, liberal constitution—the first since 1812—laying the groundwork for a constitutional monarchy.
The Search for a King
The selection of a new monarch proved to be a complex and contentious process. Several candidates were considered:
- The aged General Baldomero Espartero, a figure of progressive influence, was proposed but declined the throne.
- Isabella's son, Alfonso (later Alfonso XII), was favored by some but feared to be too heavily influenced by his mother's legacy.
- Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg, former regent of Portugal, was also mentioned.
Concerns arose regarding Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, whose nomination was feared to provoke conflict with France, ultimately contributing to the Franco-Prussian War.
Amadeo I and the Republic
In August 1870, the Cortes selected Prince Amadeo of Savoy, son of Victor Emmanuel II of Italy, as the preferred candidate. His liberal credentials and lack of direct ties to contentious European powers made him a viable choice. He was elected King Amadeo I on November 3, 1870.
Amadeo's arrival in Cartagena on December 27, 1870, coincided with the assassination of General Juan Prim, a key architect of the revolution. Amadeo swore to uphold the constitution upon Prim's body. His reign, however, was short-lived, lasting only two years before he abdicated. This led to the establishment of the First Spanish Republic, which itself proved unstable, lasting another two years.
Ultimately, no political faction was willing to reinstate Isabella II. Instead, in 1875, the Cortes proclaimed her son, Alfonso XII, as King, restoring the Bourbon monarchy.
Sources
Primary Reference
- ^ Thomson, Guy (2009). The Birth of Modern Politics in Spain: Democracy, Association and Revolution, 1854-75. Palgrave Macmillan UK. ISBN 9780230248564.
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