Revolution in Spain

By the 1860s the reign of Queen Isabella II of Spain had grown deeply unpopular, beset by political instability, court scandals, economic difficulty, and the alienation of liberal and progressive factions. Exiled generals and politicians, including figures such as Juan Prim and Francisco Serrano, conspired against the monarchy, while discontent spread through the army and navy.

The revolution, known as La Gloriosa, began on 18 September 1868 when naval officers under Admiral Topete rose in revolt at Cadiz. The rising quickly gained army support and broad popular backing. Government forces were defeated at the Battle of Alcolea in late September, and Queen Isabella II, then near the French border, was forced to flee into exile in France.

The victorious leaders formed a provisional government and set about drafting a new framework, producing the liberal Constitution of 1869, which retained a constitutional monarchy. The search for a new king proved difficult and politically fraught, contributing to international tensions. The unstable period that followed led to the brief reign of Amadeo of Savoy, the short-lived First Spanish Republic of 1873, and ultimately the Bourbon restoration in 1874.