Editing Amadeo I of Spain (section)

==== Malcampo Government: The Failure of the Reunification of the Progressives ====
[[File:José Malcampo, 3rd Marquis of San Rafael.jpg|thumb|[[José Malcampo, 3rd Marquess of San Rafael|José Malcampo]], president, October 5–December 21, 1871.]]

With Ruiz Zorrilla unyielding, Amadeo offered the premiership to Espartero, who declined due to age, then to Sagasta, who suggested [[José Malcampo, 3rd Marquess of San Rafael|José Malcampo]]—a revolutionary naval officer from 1868—to avoid direct confrontation. Malcampo, appointed October 5, was a Progressive seen as non-reactionary due to his role alongside [[Juan Bautista Topete|Topete]] in the Glorious Revolution.{{Sfn|Vilches|2001|pp=179-183; 186}} His government, a bridge to Sagasta's eventual leadership on December 21, oversaw the [[Progressive Party (Spain)|Progressive Party]]’s irreparable split into Sagasta's conservative faction, aligned with the [[Liberal Union (Spain)|Liberal Union]], and Ruiz Zorrilla's “democratic progressive” or [[Radical Democratic Party (Spain)|Radical Party]], including Democrats (cimbrios) like Martos and Rivero.{{Sfn|Bahamonde|1996|pp=75-76}}

Sagasta's faction pursued reunification on their “historical” program, prioritizing national sovereignty over individual rights, which the Cortes could regulate for order. Ruiz Zorrilla's group upheld the sanctity of rights, leaving excesses to courts. Malcampo's all-Progressive cabinet—excluding Unionists—retained Ruiz Zorrilla's July 25 program, signaling a transitional intent.{{Sfn|Vilches|2001|pp=196-199}} However, “Zorrillists” declared Ruiz Zorrilla their “active head” (Espartero as “passive head”), betting on reforms to align the monarchy with the people and win Republican support. Sagasta's Progressives responded by forming their own party board on October 20, formalizing the divide. Reconciliation efforts by figures like [[Ángel Fernández de los Ríos]] failed, with elders like Olózaga and Espartero favoring Sagasta.{{Sfn|Vilches|2001|pp=184-199}}