Spanish Republic, First

The Constitution and Collapse of the First Spanish Republic (1873–1874)

The Constitution of the First Spanish Republic (1873–1874) envisioned a federal system, granting internally self-governing provinces the right to voluntarily associate with the national government. While foreign affairs, colonial administration, and defense remained under the jurisdiction of Madrid, the republic aimed to decentralize power in response to long-standing regional demands.

However, the new system was unstable from the outset. During its eight-month existence, the republic cycled through four presidents, none of whom could assemble a stable cabinet or manage the deepening political chaos.

The Collapse of Federal Authority

• Decentralization and Local Radicalism

  • The government’s efforts at gradual decentralization proved too slow for local radicals, who demanded immediate autonomy.
  • Cities and provinces began declaring independence unilaterally, further weakening Madrid’s authority.

• Military Intervention and the End of the Republic

  • As central authority crumbled, Madrid lost control of the country, prompting the army to step in once more to restore "national honor."
  • A temporary unitary republic was declared, but it served only as a façade for an interim military dictatorship.

By 1874, the First Republic had collapsed entirely, paving the way for the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy under Alfonso XII, bringing Spain’s brief experiment with republicanism to an abrupt end.

The Restoration of the Bourbon Monarchy: Alfonso XII (r. 1875–1885)

The Bourbon monarchy was restored in 1875 with remarkable ease, following a pronunciamiento by a Spanish brigadier calling for the return of Alfonso XII, the son of Isabella II. Educated in Britain and trained at Sandhurst, Alfonso was widely regarded as a capable and pragmatic ruler. His ascension was welcomed with a sense of relief, even among some former republicans, who saw his reign as a stabilizing force after years of political turmoil.

Alfonso XII: A Monarch of Stability

• A Spaniard, a Catholic, and a Liberal

  • Alfonso positioned himself as a unifying figure, declaring his identity as a "Spaniard, Catholic, and Liberal."
  • His leadership sought to balance conservative and liberal forces, reassuring both monarchists and moderate reformers.

• Military Support and Political Stability

  • Having been a cadet at Sandhurst when summoned to the throne, Alfonso maintained strong ties with the army, which had withdrawn from direct political intervention under the new regime.
  • The restored monarchy benefited from a stable and popular civilian government, reducing the likelihood of further military interference in politics.

• Securing Conservative Support

  • Alfonso ensured the monarchy’s alliance with the Catholic Church by constitutionally confirming its official status, a move that solidified conservative backing.

Alfonso XII’s reign ushered in a period of relative stability, marking the beginning of the Restoration era (1875–1931), during which Spain operated under a constitutional monarchy with a rotating system of government between the dominant political factions.

Juan Prim's death has deprived Amadeo of a staunch supporter.

Bereft of Prim's help and feebly served by a series of short-lived ministries, Amadeo faces continuous turmoil.

He attempts to rule as a constitutional monarch but, opposed both by Republicans and by Carlists, he can form no stable government from the “September coalition” of former conservative Liberal Unionists, the ex-Progressives, and the moderate Democrats—now called Radicals.

Once Amadeo calls the Radicals to power, the conservatives desert the dynasty.

Support for Alfonso, the grandson of Don Carlos, increases, along with republican agitation, and the Second Carlist War beaks out in 1872.

Amadeo abdicates gracefully, as soon as circumstances permit, on February 11, 1873, after an attack by the Radicals on the army.

Amadeo returns to Italy and the Cortes proclaim Spain a republic.

Spain's Republican Party is neither strong nor united.

When the Republican leaders, on legal scruples, refuse to declare for a federal republic, the provincial federal extremists revolt.

This Cantonalist revolt is serious in Cartagena, ...

...Alcoy, and ...

...Málaga.

The Republican leaders have allowed attacks on the army that have reduced it to impotence.

To conservatives and men of order, the country seems on the verge of total dissolution; the Carlists are immensely strengthened by the “excesses” of Cantonalists.

Too late, Emilio Castelar y Ripoll, the last president of the republic, tries to recapture the loyalty of the army.

In January 1874, General Manuel Pavía y Rodríguez de Alburquerque drives the Republican deputies from the Cortes building in the hope of creating a government of order.

Pavía turns power over to General Francisco Serrano to form a coalition government.