LA RESTAURACIÓN BORBÓNICA (1875-1902) | Historia de España 🇪🇸

History of Spain: The Restoration Period

Overview of the Restoration Borbónica

• The video discusses the historical context of Spain transitioning into the 20th century, focusing on the period known as the Restoration Borbónica.

• This era is characterized by a façade of democracy that was fundamentally undemocratic due to systematic electoral fraud.

Electoral Fraud and Manipulation

• Examples of electoral manipulation included using deceased individuals' names to cast votes, highlighting the extent of corruption in elections.

• The speaker humorously reflects on being part of this fraudulent system, indicating how absurd it was for "the dead" to vote during this period.

Establishment of Alfonso XII's Monarchy

• Professor José Antonio Lucero introduces himself and outlines his focus on studying Alfonso XII's monarchy within the Restoration framework.

• Following Spain's First Republic in 1874, General Martínez Campos initiated a pronouncement that led to Alfonso XII’s ascension as king in January 1875.

Political Reforms and Challenges

• Antonio Cánovas del Castillo played a crucial role in establishing a constitutional monarchy aimed at resolving issues from Isabel II’s reign.

• Key measures included unifying monarchists under Alfonso XII and negotiating peace with Cuban independence fighters through the Peace of Zanjón (1878).

Constitutional Framework and Characteristics

• The Constitution of 1876 established shared sovereignty between the king and parliament, introducing universal male suffrage by 1890.

• It created a bicameral system where Congress members were elected while two-thirds of Senate members were appointed by royal designation.

Political System and Oligarchy Formation

• The political landscape was dominated by an oligarchic structure formed by two main parties:

• Conservative Party led by Cánovas del Castillo, representing high bourgeoisie and nobility.

• Liberal Party led by Práxedes Mateo Sagasta, representing middle-class industrial interests.

Corruption Practices in Elections

• Systematic electoral corruption characterized this regime; elections were often predetermined before they occurred.

Restoration System in Spain: A Democratic Illusion?

Overview of the Restoration Period

• The electoral system during the Restoration period in Spain is critiqued for failing to meet democratic standards, particularly under King Alfonso XII until his unexpected death in 1885.

Transition of Power

• Following Alfonso XII's death, his infant son Alfonso XIII ascended to the throne, with María Cristina serving as regent amidst significant opposition from various societal groups.

Opposition Movements

Carlism

• The Carlists opposed the Restoration regime, aligning themselves with conservative factions. Despite military defeats, they continued to conspire from France, aiming to establish a traditionalist and anti-liberal government.

• The Carlists eventually shifted towards politics by founding the Traditionalist Party under Ramón Nocedal, promoting anti-liberal Catholic ideologies.

Republicanism

• Republican opposition was diverse, primarily divided into three factions:

• Historical Republicans led by Castelar advocating for a conservative democracy.

• Federalists who sought better organization and worker alignment but struggled with support due to their bourgeois nature.

• Radical Republicans led by Zorrilla aiming for regime change through subversive actions.

Labor Movement

• The labor movement split into two main branches:

• Socialism emerged in 1874 with early organizations like the Association of Typographers led by Pablo Iglesias.

• In 1879, PSOE was founded on Marxist principles advocating for political participation and workers' rights.

Anarchism and Its Impact

• Anarchism gained traction in Spain, especially in regions like Catalonia and Andalusia. In 1881, anarchists formed a federation that initially pursued peaceful resistance but later resorted to violence against authorities.

Nationalisms and Regionalisms

• The Restoration aimed at unifying Spain often disregarded regional interests leading to rising nationalism. This centralization alienated local elites seeking more power within their regions.

Catalan Nationalism

• Catalan cultural movements emerged as responses to centralization. Figures like Valentí Almirall promoted federalist ideas while others sought historical autonomy through organizations such as the Centre Català established in 1882.

Political Developments

Nationalism and Colonial Challenges in Spain

The Rise of Basque Nationalism

• The emergence of Basque nationalism during the Restoration period is highlighted, with Sabino Arana recognized as its principal figure, often referred to as the father of Basque nationalism.

• Arana's perspective focused on defending traditional rights (fueros) and aimed for their restoration to achieve sovereignty and independence for the Basque Country. His motto was "God and Old Law."

• In 1895, Arana founded the Partido Nacionalista Vasco (PNV), which sought to restore the traditional legal order in the region.

Spanish Colonial Reforms in Cuba

• Following the Peace of Zanjón in 1878, Spanish governments had opportunities to implement reforms in Cuba advocated by local autonomists; however, these were largely unsuccessful.

• Tensions escalated between Cuba and Spain due to opposition against high tariffs imposed by Spain that hindered trade with the United States, a major buyer of Cuban products.

The Cuban Independence Movement

• In 1892, José Martí established the Partido Revolucionario Cubano, leading to an independence uprising that began in February 1895.

• The Spanish government responded by sending General Martínez Campos to Cuba with a strategy combining military repression and negotiation but later replaced him with General Valeriano Weyler for more aggressive tactics.

Shift Towards Autonomy

• After Cánovas' assassination in August 1897, Sagasta's government attempted a conciliatory approach by granting autonomy to Cuba and Puerto Rico amidst ongoing insurrections.

U.S. Intervention and Consequences

• The situation was exploited by the United States, which declared war on Spain in 1898 under pretext of protecting its colonies following the explosion of USS Maine in Havana harbor.

• This led to a swift conflict resulting in Spain's defeat both in Cuba and the Philippines; by December 1898, peace was signed in Paris relinquishing control over these territories.

Impact of Defeat on Spanish Society

• The loss marked a significant disillusionment within Spanish society and politics, shattering myths surrounding the once-mighty Spanish Empire amid rising European colonial ambitions.

• Despite its symbolic significance, economic repercussions from this defeat were less severe than anticipated; however, it spurred various regeneration movements advocating political modernization.

Political Changes Post-War

• Joaquín Costa’s ideas influenced regenerationist movements aiming at modernizing Spain’s economy while moving away from glorified historical narratives.

• Francisco Silvela's conservative government introduced necessary reforms post-war but faced resistance from sectors like Catalan bourgeoisie regarding fiscal changes.

Transitioning Monarchy

• Amidst political turmoil following war-induced economic issues, María Cristina reinstated progressive governance under Sagasta before Alfonso XIII reached maturity on May 17th, 1902.