Provisional Government (1868–1871)
The Provisional Government of Spain (Spanish: Gobierno Provisional de España) existed from 1868 to 1871, following the successful "Glorious Revolution" (Spanish: La Gloriosa) which deposed Queen Isabella II. It was a transitional government established to manage the country after the overthrow of the monarchy and to pave the way for a new, more stable political order.
The primary task of the Provisional Government was to create a new constitution that would be acceptable to a majority of the Spanish people. A Constituent Assembly was elected in 1869 to draft this constitution. This assembly debated various forms of government, including retaining a monarchy with a new dynasty, or establishing a republic.
Key figures within the Provisional Government included General Francisco Serrano, who served as Regent, and General Juan Prim, who was the Prime Minister and a major political force behind the revolution. These leaders navigated a complex political landscape, grappling with republican, monarchist, and Carlist factions, as well as social unrest.
The Provisional Government oversaw significant reforms, including the abolition of the quintas (system of conscription), the guarantee of freedom of religion, freedom of education, and freedom of the press. It also attempted to address economic issues and modernize the administration.
The Constitution of 1869 was ultimately approved, establishing a constitutional monarchy with a democratically elected legislature. Following the adoption of the constitution, the Provisional Government sought a new monarch. After a period of searching and negotiation, Amadeo of Savoy was chosen as King of Spain. Amadeo arrived in Spain in late 1870, and the Provisional Government formally dissolved after he swore to uphold the Constitution of 1869 in January 1871, marking the beginning of his short and turbulent reign. The period of the Provisional Government was characterized by instability and political maneuvering, but it laid the foundation for a period of constitutional rule in Spain.