Radical Democratic Party (Spain) facts for kids

The Radical Democratic Party (known in Spanish as Partido Demócrata Radical, or PDR) was an important political group in Spain. It was active during the time of King Amadeo I (who ruled from 1870 to 1873) and the First Spanish Republic (from 1873 to 1874). This party often disagreed with another group called the Constitutional Party.

How the Party Started

The Radical Democratic Party was formed in 1871. This happened after the Progressive Party split into different groups. The split occurred after the death of a famous general named Juan Prim, 1st Marquis of los Castillejos.

The left-wing part of the Progressive Party joined forces with a group called the cimbrios. The cimbrios were a group of monarchists (people who supported a king or queen) from the Democratic Party. Their leader was Cristino Martos.

Together, these groups created the new party. Their main leader was Manuel Ruiz Zorrilla.

What Happened to the Party

The Radical Democratic Party eventually broke apart. This happened after the monarchy (rule by a king) was brought back to Spain in 1874. Many members of the party then joined other political groups. Some went to parties that supported a king but had more liberal ideas. Others joined republican parties, which wanted a republic instead of a king.

For example, Ruiz Zorrilla and his followers started a new group called the Progressive Republican Party. Meanwhile, Martos and his supporters joined the Liberal Party. This party was led by Práxedes Mateo Sagasta.

In 1876, the remaining parts of the party were reorganized. They became known as the Republican Reformist Party. This new group was led by Nicolás Salmerón.

See also

In Spanish: Partido Demócrata-Radical para niños

• Liberalism and radicalism in Spain