Can someone explain to me the intricacies of Spain in the 1870's and how they went about deciding who could be their new king? They ultimately decided on Prince Amadeo of Italy and we know how he turned out. On wikipedia it says that the French supported Henri of Orleans as a potential candidate while the Spanish themselves thought of electing Antoine of Orleans, a younger brother of Henri I believe. Does anyone know why the French supported Henri? I would think that as a member of the House of Orleans that they wouldn't like him. Also, since the French supposedly supported Henri, did they also support Antoine? Thanks very much to anyone who can explain this to me.