Combating Clandestinity in Antequera, July 1861–December 1862

Abstract

Between 1856 and the ‘Gloriosa’ of September 1868, Antequera was the centre of Democrat carbonari conspiracy in eastern Andalucía. As we have seen, throughout the first half of 1861 workers in the woollen factories and jornaleros on the vega experienced the dividend of society membership in wage negotiations. Advanced Progresistas led by the Aguilar brothers were well represented on Antequera’s Council and maintained close relations with leaders of the ‘Garibaldino’ Society. This chapter examines the efforts of the Military Commission in Málaga and exposes the participation of antequeranos in the conspiracy that resulted in the Revolution of Loja. Civil Governor Antonio Guerola’s campaign to persuade members of the Garibaldino Society to forswear their membership in exchange for guarantees, in a judicial procedure known as espontaneamiento or ‘owning up’, in the face of sustained resistance by Garibaldino leaders, is then explored. The chapter concludes with account of Queen Isabel’s visit to Antequera in October 1862.