born Nov. 28, 1857, Madrid, Spain
died Nov. 25, 1885, Madrid
Spanish king whose reign (1874–85) inspired hopes for a stable constitutional monarchy.
Alfonso followed his mother, Isabella II , into exile following her deposition by the revolution of 1868. He was proclaimed king in 1874 and returned to Spain the next year. His reign was marked by unaccustomed tranquillity. The most urgent problems
ending the civil war with the Carlists (see Carlism ) and drafting a constitution
were settled in 1876. Alfonso was popular, and his early death from tuberculosis disappointed those who desired a constitutional monarchy.