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Alfonso XII's Official Entry into Madrid

Context of Alfonso XII's Ascension

• In mid-January 1875, Alfonso XII makes his official entry into Madrid shortly after the successful pronouncement by Martínez Campos, which favored his claim to the throne.

• The Spanish populace anticipates that the new king will resolve ongoing wars and political instability stemming from the revolution of 1868.

Political Landscape and Canovas' Vision

• Canovas del Castillo has worked politically for years to support Alfonso’s cause, aiming to establish a new regime with civil society playing a central role in politics.

• The goal is to replace military interventions with agreements between two major parties for power alternation, inspired by British political models.

Role of Alfonso XII as Monarch

• Upon arriving at the royal palace, Alfonso XII is expected to act as an arbiter in political life under a transitional government led by Canovas.

• A commission is tasked with drafting a new constitution that accommodates various political parties while ensuring stability.

The New Constitution of 1876

• The constitution approved in 1876 is characterized as conciliatory, blending elements from previous constitutions (1845 and 1869).

• It establishes shared sovereignty between the Cortes and the king while recognizing Catholicism as the state religion but allowing tolerance for other faiths.