Afonso Pena vs Praexedes Mateo Sagasta

Afonso Pena was elected President of Brazil in 1906, taking office on November 15. He was the fifth president, representing Minas Gerais, and continued the policies of his predecessor.

Afonso Pena signed the decree creating the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). This institution was established to conduct the national census and compile statistical data for policy planning.

Afonso Pena died in office on June 14, 1909, from pneumonia. His death cut short his presidency, and Vice President Nilo Pe

Sagasta, as leader of the Liberal Party, signed the Pact of El Pardo with Conservative leader Antonio Canovas del Castillo. This agreement formalized the turno pacifico, ensuring the peaceful alternation of power between the two parties after the death of King Alfonso XII.

Sagasta's government passed the Law of Associations, which legalized trade unions and political organizations. This law provided a legal framework for labor movements and political parties, fostering the growth of civil society in Spain.

As prime minister, Sagasta enacted the Law of Universal Suffrage for men over 25, replacing the previous census-based suffrage. This reform expanded the electorate significantly, though its impact was limited by continued electoral manipulation through caciquismo.

Sagasta was prime minister when the Spanish-American War broke out following the sinking of the USS Maine. Spain suffered a decisive defeat, losing its remaining colonies of Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Guam, marking the end of the Spanish Empire.