He obtained the Chair in History of Spain in the Central University of Madrid when he was just 25.

He was outstanding as an speaker at an early age, defending the liberties and Democracy. In 1863, he founded a newspaper named ·"La Democracia" and, in his famous article "El Rasgo", he criticised Isabel II because of her Economics Politics causing mass meetings and deaths that forced the Head of State Narváez to dismiss. He is condemned but he went into exile to Paris.

In 1869, he is chosen deputy beginning a campaign in favour of the Republic. Several themes were outstanding in his speeches such as: freedom of worship, abolishment of servitude, defence of the Republic, Cantonal movement, critical of despotism, defence of Democracy, army reform and the existence of God. He got the abolishment of servitude in Puerto Rico. On September the 6th , 1873 he is chosen President of the First Republic.

He devoted himself to his literary and historical works; we can mention between them: "Studies about Middle Ages", "History of civilization on the first five centuries of the Christianity" in the historical part, and "Ernesto" and "Sister of charity" in the novelistic part.

In the spring of 1899, looking for relief for his aches, he moved to "Quinta de San Sebastián" , that belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Servet in San Pedro del Pinatar, today named "La Casa del Reloj". On Sunday, the 21st of May, he went on an excursion by the Mar Menor where he watched the fishing works.

He died there the 25th of May, 1899 because of a heart attack.