18th Century Spain: Bourbon Dynasty and Reforms
The War of Succession and the Treaty of Utrecht
In 1700, Philip of Anjou, grandson of Louis XIV of France, ascended to the Spanish throne. This Franco-Spanish alliance threatened the European balance of power, leading to the formation of the Grand Alliance of the Hague (1701). England, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, and other kingdoms supported Archduke Charles and declared war against Philip V. Within Spain, the Crown of Castile supported Philip, while Aragon, fearing French centralism, sided with Charles. Philip’s victory at the Battle of Almansa (1707) allowed him to conquer Valencia and Aragon. The war concluded with the occupation of Barcelona in 1714.
In Europe, the Austrian emperor, Joseph I, died in 1713 and was succeeded by Charles. The Grand Alliance then signed the Peace of Utrecht, comprising eleven treaties. Spain renounced its claim to the French throne and lost its European possessions.
The First Bourbons and Dynastic Change
Philip V initially ruled with French administrators, who were later replaced by the Spanish aristocracy. His marriage to Elizabeth Farnese brought a shift in court dynamics, with Italian advisors promoting an aggressive foreign policy aimed at recovering territories lost in the Treaty of Utrecht. This led to the reconquest of Naples and Sicily in 1734.
Ferdinand VI, along with his minister, the Marquis of Ensenada, focused on strengthening absolutism and economic growth. Following the war against England in 1748, Spain experienced a period of peace, allowing for internal reforms in taxation, trade, and naval development.
Organizational Reform and the Centralized Monarchy
Philip V prioritized governmental reform, adopting the centralized French model. This required dismantling the diverse laws and institutions of the various kingdoms.
The Decrees of Nueva Planta (Valencia 1707, Aragon 1711, and Catalonia and Mallorca 1716) abolished existing councils and introduced Castilian laws, courts, and administrative systems. Internal borders were removed, Castilian became the official language, and a unified tax system was implemented. Only provinces supporting Philip V retained some privileges.
Governance was divided among five Secretaries of State. Councils were dissolved, except for the Council of Castile, which became an advisory body for the entire country.
Spain was divided into provinces with a three-tiered structure: the audiencia (judicial), the captaincy general (military), and the intendant (civil and economic).
Enlightened Despotism under Charles III
Charles III, ascending the throne in 1759, implemented enlightened despotism, an absolute monarchy focused on reforms benefiting the populace. Agriculture was prioritized, but reforms faced resistance from privileged groups. Naval rearmament boosted production in shipyards and arms factories. Existing manufacturing continued, but private investment was encouraged.
In 1778, colonial trade was expanded to most Spanish ports, increasing trade and merchant profits. The Treasury began issuing Vales Reales (public debt certificates). The success of these issues led to the creation of the National Bank of San Carlos, which managed debt payments and invested in colonial trade, but ultimately suffered losses due to Vales Reales depreciation.
Spanish Foreign Policy in 18th Century Europe
The Bourbon dynasty marked a shift in Spanish foreign policy. The Treaty of El Escorial (1733) with France initiated the Family Pacts, uniting the two countries against common enemies. This led to the conquest of Naples and Sicily.
The Second Family Compact (1743) brought Spain into the War of the Austrian Succession. Spain gained Parma and Piacenza in 1748 but failed to recover Gibraltar.
The Third Family Pact (1761) drew Spain into the Seven Years’ War against England, resulting in the loss of Florida. In 1776, Spain supported the North American colonies against England, regaining Florida and Menorca, but not Gibraltar.
While not entirely successful, this foreign policy largely preserved the colonial empire.
The Enlightenment in Spain
With Carlos III University was reformed to promote research, experimental sciences and technology, though not very successful. There were some intellectuals like Mayans or backward Feijoo who criticized the education system and the influence of the church.
By mid-century made the most important initiatives were founded Pacific institutions at the geographical and scientific purposes, among which special importance was botany.
In the letters highlighted the works of Jovellanos and Campomanes, politicians who are also devoted to literature, prose writers and playwrights such as Jose Gallows MoratÃn.
In art, neoclassic stretch was imposed with that remodeled Madrid, with artists such Sabatini or Villanueva. Excelled in the visual arts Goya, who revolutionized painting with his personal style as his magnificent portraits and portrait painter of the Court.