Spain in the Nineteenth Century

Spain in the nineteenth century experienced a number of tumultuous changes in its form of government. At the time of Unamuno's birth in 1864, Spain was a constitutional monarchy under Queen Isabella II. However, the revolution of 1868 forced Queen Isabella II into exile. With the end of the revolution in 1870, Amadeo (a son of the king of Italy) was chosen to rule as king of Spain in a constitutional monarchy. In 1873 Amadeo abdicated, under pressure of a revolt, and Spain was declared a republic. This short-lived First Republic lasted until 1875, when Alfonso XII, son of Isabella II, was declared king of Spain. The Constitution of 1876 reinstituted a constitutional monarchy. When King Alfonso XII died in 1885, his young son, Alfonso XIII, was declared the new king of Spain.

The Spanish-American War

Unamuno was in his thirties during the period of the Spanish-American War, which lasted...