The revolutionary spirit that has just overthrown the Spanish government lacks direction; the coalition of liberals, moderates, and republicans are now faced with the incredible task of finding a government that will suit them better than Isabella.

Control of the government passes to Francisco Serrano, an architect of the revolution against Baldomero Espartero's dictatorship.

The Cortes initially reject the notion of a republic; Serrano is named regent while a search is launched for a suitable monarch to lead the country.

The liberal provisional government under Serrano and Prim, formed on October 5, abolishes the Jesuit order and provides for freedom of the press and universal suffrage.

Meanwhile, a revolt against Spanish rule begins in Cuba, which, along with Puerto Rico, is the last possession of Spain in America.

Cubans had long resented the failure to reform rule by captains general, to grant some autonomy, and to ease the economic sacrifices that had been imposed by the Spanish tariff system.