EL SEXENIO DEMOCRÁTICO (1868-1874) | Historia de España 🇪🇸

New Section

The transcript introduces a mysterious historical event related to the Spanish history during the "sexenio democrático," focusing on General Prim and his assassination, which remains unsolved.

The Mystery Surrounding General Prim's Assassination

• General Prim faced numerous enemies from different political factions before being assassinated in a mysterious incident.

• His assassination was so enigmatic that his body was preserved in hopes of finding the culprit in the future.

• The unresolved nature of his murder left many eager to uncover the truth behind his death.

The Turbulent Period of the Sexenio Democrático

This section delves into the turbulent era known as the "sexenio democrático," marked by significant political and social upheavals in Spain.

Political Unrest and Revolutions

• The period began with a revolution that led to Queen Isabel II's dethronement and the establishment of a republic.

• A military uprising in Cádiz triggered broader revolts across Andalusia, demanding political reforms and liberties.

• The conflict escalated into battles between revolutionary forces and loyalists, resulting in Queen Isabel II's removal from power.

Dual Power Struggle

• Following Isabel II's ousting, two parallel powers emerged: one led by progressive factions and another by revolutionary groups advocating for democratic ideals.

Spanish Constitution of 1869 and Political Challenges

This section discusses the creation of the Spanish Constitution of 1869, characterized by its democratic nature, the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, and challenges faced by the government.

Creation of the Spanish Constitution

• The Spanish Constitution of 1869 was the first democratic constitution in Spain, establishing a constitutional monarchy with national sovereignty.

• It introduced a constitutional monarchy based on national sovereignty where people had power and elected kings through universal male suffrage.

• The constitution operated under the principle that "the king reigns but does not govern."

Selection of a New Monarch

• Various candidates were considered for the new monarchy.

• Initial proposals included Espartero and Fernando de Coburgo, with the latter symbolizing the Iberian union between Spain and Portugal.

• Candidates like Duke of Montpensier and Leopoldo de Jos Enzo were rejected due to external pressures from France.

Challenges Faced by Progressive Government

This section delves into challenges encountered by the progressive government post-1869, including discontent among republicans, resurgence of Carlism, economic crises, and labor movements.

Challenges Faced

• The progressive government faced multiple issues:

• Discontent among republicans and resurgence of Carlism advocating for absolutism's return.

• Onset of urban uprisings due to economic hardships, high taxes, conscription protests (quintas), and Cuban War (1868-1878).

Amadeo's Reign

• Amadeo I was chosen as monarch in October 1870 but encountered significant opposition leading to his assassination in December same year.

• His support dwindled post-assassination due to aristocratic rejection, church's disapproval over anticlerical views, and public skepticism towards a foreign ruler.

Transition to First Spanish Republic

This part covers Amadeo's abdication in February 1873 followed by Congress proclaiming Spain's First Republic. It details initial governance challenges under a coalition government led by Figueras.

Transition to Republic

• After Amadeo's abdication in February 1873:

• Congress proclaimed Spain's First Republic with Figueras becoming its first president.

• The republican-federalist government faced opposition from monarchists while internal divisions emerged within progressive parties.

Republican Federalism

• The republican-federalist government aimed at granting autonomy to regions but faced criticism from both monarchists and unitary republicans.

New Section

The section discusses the political, social, and military issues during the first Spanish Republic in the 1870s, focusing on events such as Pi y Margall's resignation, Salmerón's conservative turn, Castelar's presidency, and the Cantonal movement.

Pi y Margall's Resignation and Political Shift

• Pi y Margall resigned in July 1873 due to various challenges in Spain.

• Nicolás Salmerón succeeded Pi y Margall and adopted a more conservative approach by strengthening the military and police forces.

Cantonal Movement and Local Empowerment

• The Cantonal movement aimed to establish a federal republic from grassroots levels through local autonomous powers called "cantons."

• The movement involved intellectuals, local politicians, students, artisans, shopkeepers, and workers.

Suppression of Cantonal Movement

• The government under Salmerón suppressed the Cantonal movement with support from monarchist generals like Martínez Campos and Pavía.

• Cartagena played a significant role in the Cantonal movement but was eventually repressed by the republican government.

Political Transition to Monarchy

This part delves into the transition from the First Spanish Republic to a provisional presidentialist government known as "Republic of 74," leading to debates on monarchy restoration.

Debate on Monarchical System

• Key figures like Cánovas del Castillo advocated for Alfonso's return as King Alfonso XII for a constitutional monarchy.

• General Martínez Campos initiated a military pronouncement supporting Alfonso XII before formal agreements were made.

Conclusion and Additional Information

Concluding remarks on Alfonso XII's proclamation as king after transitioning from the First Spanish Republic. Additionally, information about an analysis of Prim's mummy revealing signs of strangulation post his shooting.

Alfonso XII Proclamation

• Alfonso XII was proclaimed king in 1874 marking the beginning of Spain's Restoration period.

Prim’s Mummy Analysis

• In 2012, scientific analysis suggested that General Prim might have been strangled post his gunshot wounds rather than dying directly from them.