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Felipe V
The previous ruler of Spain was Charles II, the last Habsburg monarch. Died in the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1713). which allowed Philip V, a Bourbon and grandson of Louis XIV of France, to become king of Spain, marking the start of Bourbon rule.
The first Bourbons copied France's centralized absolute monarchy.The Decretos de Nueva Planta abolished regional privileges, centralizing power in Castile and standardizing administration, which incited resentment in the affected regions. -
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Luis I
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Fernando VI
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Carlos III
Charles III, known as "the best mayor of Madrid," introduced Enlightenment ideals in Spain through significant urban and social reforms. He modernized Madrid with improved infrastructure, sanitation, and public services. His ministers, particularly Jovellanos, promoted economic and educational reforms, fostering scientific and cultural advancements, and enhancing overall quality of life. -
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Carlos IV
During Carlos IV's reign, the French Revolution's aftermath influenced Spain. He applied conservative measures, aligning with anti-revolutionary coalitions. His prime minister, Manuel Godoy, was crucial, exercising significant control and leading to resentment. The Motín de Aranjuez, provoked by opposition to Godoy, resulted in Carlos IV's abdication in favor of his son, Ferdinand VII. The Treaty of Fontainebleau (1807), allowed French troops to traverse Spain to invade Portugal. -
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Fernando VII
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Fernando VII
The Cortes of Cádiz were convened in 1810 as Spain's first national assembly, drafting the Constitution of 1812 during the Peninsular War against Napoleon. The constitution established principles of sovereignty, equality before the law, and limited royal power, reflecting Enlightenment ideals. Fernando VII initially accepted the constitution but later abolished it in 1814, favoring absolute monarchy. -
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José I
Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother, became king of Spain in 1808. He was supported by Spanish elites seeking modernization and centralization reforms. The ensuing Peninsular War (1808-1814) saw Spanish guerrilla warfare and battles like Bailén and Albuera. Prominent figures included Wellington and guerrilla leaders. Spanish resilience, aided by British support, led to Napoleon's defeat, depicted in Goya's paintings like "The Third of May 1808." -
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Isabel II
Isabel II inherited the throne in 1833 but was influenced by regents and political factions until 1843. Known as a "liberal dictator," she centralized power despite periodic elections. Her minister Madoz led the Confiscations of Church Properties to finance state projects, reducing Church influence. The 1868 Glorious Revolution ousted Isabel II due to corruption and liberal discontent, leading to Spain's brief First Republic. -
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Democratic sexenium
After the Glorious Revolution, Spain's provisional government passed the Constitution of 1869, establishing a federal republic with universal male suffrage and secular education. Amadeo I faced challenges including political instability, Carlist uprisings, and economic difficulties. Amidst unrest, Amadeo I abdicated in 1873, leading to the proclamation of Spain's First Republic, marked by divisions between federalists and centralists and economic instability. -
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Amadeo I
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Alfonso XII
Alfonso XII restored the constitutional monarchy with two main parties: the Liberal Party led by Sagasta and the Conservative Party led by Cánovas del Castillo. After Alfonso's death, his wife Maria Christina faced the emergence of new parties like the Republican and Socialist parties, signaling growing political diversity. The Disaster of 98 refers to Spain's loss of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States after the Spanish-American War -
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Alfonso XIII
Alfonso XIII inherited a turbulent Spain marked by working-class political movements led by Pablo Iglesias, and conflicts like the War in Morocco with the Semana Trágica and Annual Disaster. Primo de Rivera, a military general, seized power in a coup in 1923, instituting a dictatorship to stabilize Spain economically and politically. After the 1929 Stock Market Crash, Alfonso XIII abdicated in 1931 following Republican victories in local elections, paving the way for Spain's Second Republic. -
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II Republic
The Second Republic had three phases: Reformist (1931-1933), Radical (1933-1936), and Popular Front (1936). The Constitution of 1931 established a secular state, universal suffrage, and land reforms. The 1934 Revolution, led by leftist groups in Asturias, highlighted social tensions and was violently suppressed by the government. The July 1936 coup in Melilla and mainland Spain sparked the Spanish Civil War between the Republicans (loyal to the Republic) and Nationalists (led by Franco). -
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Francoism
Francoism had two phases: the early period focused on repression and centralization (1939-1959), while the later period (1959-1975) saw gradual liberalization and economic development. In 1969, Juan Carlos I was designated Franco's successor. In 1973, Carrero Blanco, Franco's appointed successor, was assassinated by ETA. The Green March in 1975 saw thousands of Moroccans entering Spanish Sahara, challenging Franco's authority. Franco died on November 20, 1975, ending his long dictatorship -
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Democratic Spain
Since 1975, Spain has had King Juan Carlos I (1975-2014) and King Felipe VI (2014-present), and seven presidents: Adolfo Suárez (1976-1981), Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo (1981-1982), F. González (1982-1996), José Ma. Aznar (1996-2004), José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero (2004-2011), Mariano Rajoy (2011-2018), and Pedro Sánchez (2018-present). The Transition to democracy under Juan Carlos I, marked by political reforms and the 1977 elections.