Reconciliation or revolution: the two paths of liberalism on the iberian Peninsula (Portugal and Spain, 1863-1866)

Abstract

Since the second half of the 19th century polices of reconciliation on the Iberian peninsula have moved along two opposite paths as the Spanish and Portuguese liberal regimes developed in different directions according to their different experiences and achievements. Although the success of the Regeneração undoubtedly meant political and constitutional stability, it also caused a deep shift in the political dynamics and triggered the emergence of new parties. In Portugal, the design of these new political identities and the birth of an especially prominent radicalism marked the beginning of a new era rife with tensions and difficulties where attempts at reconciliation sought to guarantee the regime’s stability while stifling expectations of revolution. In Spain, despite the new liberal atmosphere, after the failure of O’Donnell’s attempts at reconciliation during his so called “long government”, the political structure remained beset by the same inertias and defects as in the previous decades, discouraging the progressives and driving them towards a pro-revolutionary stance. The threat of a future revolution exposed the limits of an exhausted regime, unable to unite the main political parties within a single political system.