2-981-981 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Entry of Alfonso XII. Into Madrid: Triumphal Arch in the Calle de Alcala, 1876. Inscription: 'Al Rey Don Alfonso XII; Pacificador de España' (To King Alfonso XII, Pacifier of Spain). 'The termination of the Carlist war in Spain was celebrated...by the triumphal entry of King Alfonso XII. into Madrid, upon his return from the late seat of war in the Basque Provinces and Navarre...The President of the Ministry gave up his palace in the Calle Alcala (the finest position in the city) to the diplomatic corps. A procession bearing the words "Unidad Catolica" [Catholic Unity] on its flags was not allowed to enter the Puerta del Sol. This prohibition was much applauded. On the other hand, there were cries of "Down with the privileges of the Basque Provinces'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.