Editing Amadeo I of Spain (section)

==== Abdication ====
Amadeo signed the artillery decree on February 9 and abdicated February 10, 1873, notifying the Cortes on February 11:

“For over two years I have worn the Crown of Spain... Spain lives in constant struggle... all who aggravate the nation's suffering are Spaniards... Amid this clamor, it is impossible to find a remedy... I have sought it within the law, and not found it... No danger would compel me to lay down the crown if it were for Spain's good... I hold the firm conviction that my efforts would be futile... These are the reasons I return the crown... renouncing it for myself, my children, and my successors.”{{Sfn|Fontana|2007|p=371}}{{Sfn|López-Cordón|1976|pp=135-136}}

Only [[Juan Bautista Topete|Topete]], a key 1868 revolutionary turned loyalist, bid farewell to Amadeo and [[Maria Vittoria dal Pozzo]]. Jorge Vilches blames Ruiz Zorrilla's Radicals for distorting the Crown's role, undermining a loyal party system, and empowering anti-monarchists, though Sagasta's hesitation and Serrano's reluctance also contributed to the collapse.{{Sfn|Vilches|2001|pp=223; 335-336}}