Alfonso XII

Alfonso XII, known as El Pacificador, was born on 28 November 1857 and ascended to the throne of Spain on 29 December 1874. His reign came after a tumultuous period marked by the Glorious Revolution of 1868, which resulted in the deposition of his mother, Isabella II. Following her abdication in 1870, Alfonso spent his formative years studying in Austria and France, preparing for his future role as king.

His return to Spain in 1874 was facilitated by a military coup that restored him to the throne amidst the chaos of the First Spanish Republic. Alfonso XII's reign, though brief, was characterized by efforts to stabilize the nation and restore peace, earning him the moniker El Pacificador.

Tragically, Alfonso's life was cut short when he died at the young age of twenty-seven on 25 November 1885. His passing left his pregnant widow, Maria Christina of Austria, to serve as regent. Their son, Alfonso XIII, was born the following year and would eventually take the throne, with Maria Christina continuing as regent until he came of age in 1902.