17th & 18th Century Spain: Crises, Economy, Enlightenment
Crisis of 1640
Among the objectives of Philip IV’s favorite, the Count-Duke of Olivares, was to restore the Hispanic monarchy’s prestige. However, costly wars depleted resources, leading to increased taxes in Portugal and Aragon. Olivares aimed to standardize Spanish law, extending Castilian law to these territories.
The proposed Union of Arms required these kingdoms to contribute men or taxes for a standing army. The Catalan Cortes refused. Taking advantage of the Thirty Years’ War, Olivares sent an army to Catalonia, causing conflicts due to looting and robberies. A revolt erupted, culminating in the Corpus Christi feast where rebels killed the viceroy. Olivares ordered another army to occupy Catalonia and abolish its charters, prompting Catalan support for France. The war ended in 1652 with Barcelona’s surrender.
Portugal also rebelled, proclaiming independence and appointing the Duke of Braganza as king. Spain recognized Portugal’s independence in 1668.
17th Century Economic and Social Evolution
The 17th century saw a demographic crisis in Europe, particularly affecting central Spain. Causes included:
- Epidemics
- Poor harvests, hygiene, and malnutrition
- Decreased birth rate due to wars
- Delayed marriages due to economic crisis
- Increased clergy and celibacy
- Expulsion of the Moors and emigration to America
Impacts were seen in:
Primary Sector: Collapse of agricultural production due to climate, poor farming systems, expulsion of the Moors, and rural depopulation. Livestock and wool exports declined.
Secondary Sector: Reduced population decreased consumption. The textile industry suffered due to labor shortages and competition with foreign products. Low wages hindered growth. Metallurgy and shipbuilding declined as the monarchy reduced orders.
The crisis affected regions like Catalonia, Segovia, Cuenca, Murcia, Granada, and Valencia. Privileged groups maintained or increased resources due to the Mayorazgo Act. The Third Estate faced social marginalization and insecurity.
Enlightenment in Spain
The 18th century saw the rise of the Enlightenment, emphasizing reason. Key principles were:
- Logic defines truth; illogical is false.
- Nature represents truth; natural is good, unnatural is bad.
Politics: Influenced absolute monarchies, leading to enlightened despotism, exemplified by Charles III. Advocated separation of powers and national sovereignty.
Socially: Challenged stratified society, promoting class society with equality before the law and equal opportunities.
Economically: Criticized protectionism, favoring Physiocracy, where nature’s value determines prices.
Morally: Criticized Catholicism, supporting Deism or atheism. Promoted philanthropy, influencing human rights declarations.
Prominent Spanish Enlightenment figures included Feijoo, Jaime Balmes, Campomanes, Jovellanos, Aranda, and Floridablanca.