Bourbon Reforms: Centralization in 18th Century Spain
Bourbon Reforms & Centralization in Spain
The change of dynasty to the Bourbons was central. They implemented a uniform administrative model based on Castilian and French systems, leading to the abolition of most traditional charters (fueros) in the former Hispanic kingdoms.
These charters, known as fueros, were sets of rules, rights, and privileges granted by the monarch to specific locations, used in the Iberian Peninsula since the Middle Ages.
The Nueva Planta Decrees
The first Spanish Bourbon kings, Philip V (1700-1746) and Ferdinand VI (1746-1759), undertook the task of consolidating and reorganizing the various peninsular kingdoms.
In the kingdoms defeated in the War of Spanish Succession (Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, and Mallorca), Philip V issued the so-called Nueva Planta decrees (meaning ‘new foundation’). These decrees abolished regional privileges (fueros), dismantled their institutions (like the regional Cortes), and integrated them into the Castilian system. The Cortes of Castile became the Cortes of Spain, which met only at the king’s request and were subordinate to his authority. This established a highly centralized absolute monarchy.
Administrative Unification
The Council of Aragon was also abolished, its functions integrated into the Council of Castile.
Thus, with the exception of Navarre and the Basque Country (rewarded for their loyalty to Philip V), the territories of the former Crowns of Castile and Aragon were unified under a single, uniform structure modeled on Castilian institutions, with some French influences.
Above all institutions stood the monarch, whose work was aided by Secretariats of State (similar to modern ministries). The old viceroy positions were eliminated (except in the Americas), and provincial areas were established, governed by Captain Generals holding military, administrative, and judicial powers.
The Audiencias (high courts) were responsible for judicial affairs. The role of Intendants (intendentes) was established for economic and administrative oversight.
Local Government and Intendants
For municipal government, the office of Corregidor, already existing in Castile, was extended to oversee local administration.
The Intendants, a figure of French origin, were tasked with collecting taxes, revitalizing the economy, controlling local authorities, boosting agriculture, livestock, and industry, conducting censuses, and overseeing public works.
Tax Reform and Centralization
The Treasury also aimed for the centralization of tax collection. Only the Basque provinces and the Kingdom of Navarre retained their fiscal autonomy. A unitary contribution system was introduced, requiring a fixed amount from each realm, apportioned among its inhabitants based on wealth. Notably, the nobility and clergy were included, despite their traditional privileges and exemptions.
This new tax system had different names in each region:
- Valencia: Equivalente
- Mallorca: Talla
- Aragon: Única Contribución
- Catalonia: Catastro
The success of this new system became evident quickly, especially in Catalonia. More revenue was levied, yet the system proved more flexible and less burdensome for the population overall.
The national lottery was created in 1763 as another source of revenue.
In subsequent years, efforts were made to expand this tax system throughout Spain. The Marquis de la Ensenada attempted to create a comprehensive cadastre (register of property ownership) for each locality, known as the Catastro de Ensenada, but it was never fully completed due to strong resistance from privileged groups.
Language Policy
This trend towards uniformity also involved promoting the use of Castilian (Spanish) as the language of the new administration.
Relations with the Church
The Church did not escape the monarchy’s desire for control. The Bourbon kings, particularly Charles III (1759-1788), sought to diminish the Church’s power and influence (a policy known as regalism).