Reign of Charles III and Charles IV of Spain
Charles III
Internal Policy
Upon arriving in Spain from Naples, Charles III, leaving his son behind, focused on improving the nation. His wife, Maria Amalia, died shortly after their arrival, and the king chose not to remarry. A dedicated ruler, he spent his mornings on political affairs and enjoyed hunting in his leisure time. Influenced by advisors like Esquilache and Tanucci, Charles implemented various reforms. One key reform, the liberalization of wheat trade, led to the Esquilache Riots. While the cause of the riots is debated, the king ultimately appeased the rioters by dismissing Esquilache. Subsequently, ministers like Aranda and Floridablanca shaped Spanish governance.
Important reforms under Charles III include:
- Reforestation of the Sierra Morena and the establishment of towns like Carolina to combat banditry.
- Reduction of the Mesta’s privileges.
- Opening of trade with Spanish America to thirteen ports and several American cities.
- Liberation of imprisoned Gypsies.
- Establishment of the Bank of San Carlos, Spain’s first bank.
- Introduction of government bonds (vales reales).
- Acceptance of work as compatible with nobility.
- Moderation of the Holy Inquisition and the end of discrimination against converts.
Foreign Policy of Charles III
The Seven Years’ War
Upon inheriting the throne, Charles III faced the ongoing Seven Years’ War between France and England. Spain joined the war on France’s side through the Family Compact. This resulted in the British occupation of Manila and Cuba. The Peace of Paris saw Spain cede Florida in exchange for Louisiana from France.
Falklands and Campeche
British occupation of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) nearly sparked another war. Lack of French support led to British withdrawal. In Honduras, British forces occupied territory to exploit Campeche, and Spain struggled to dislodge them.
U.S. Independence
Spain initially provided covert aid to the American colonies during their rebellion. Following France’s intervention, Spain openly declared war on England, achieving victories and reclaiming Florida. However, an attack on Gibraltar failed. The Treaty of Versailles returned Menorca to Spain.
Moroccan and Algerian Politics
Charles III fostered peaceful relations with Morocco, even releasing thousands of Moroccan prisoners. However, attempts to address Algerian piracy, including a landing operation, proved unsuccessful.
Relations with the Holy See
Charles III’s expulsion of the Jesuits strained relations with the Pope. Floridablanca’s pressure on the Pope to dissolve the Society of Jesus ultimately succeeded. However, the concordat signed by Ferdinand VI and the status of the Holy Inquisition were maintained.
Charles IV
Domestic Policy
Charles IV’s reign began with Floridablanca as his chief minister, but he soon dismissed him due to strained relations with France. Aranda briefly succeeded Floridablanca, followed by Godoy, whose rapid rise to power fueled rumors of an affair with the queen. Spain faced numerous challenges: mounting debt, social unrest, poor harvests, and declining economic indicators. Despite these difficulties, Godoy attempted enlightened reforms, such as challenging purity of blood statutes, advocating for the return of Jews, and ordering the construction of cemeteries outside churches. He also dispatched a vaccine expedition to America. However, these efforts were largely unnoticed by the populace, who resented Godoy. Enlightenment figures like Jovellanos were imprisoned. Godoy faced opposition from Crown Prince Ferdinand, who plotted against his parents. The Mutiny of Aranjuez forced Godoy into hiding, leading to Charles IV’s abdication.
Foreign Policy
Early in his reign, Charles IV confronted the French Revolution. His attempts to save Louis XVI failed, and Spain joined other powers in declaring war on France. Initial Spanish successes in Roussillon were reversed, and the French advanced towards the Ebro River. The Treaty of Basel ceded Santo Domingo to France. The Treaty of San Ildefonso allied Spain with France against Great Britain and, secondarily, Portugal, leading to the brief War of the Oranges and the devastating defeat at Trafalgar. Despite this loss, Godoy initially maintained the alliance with France. The Treaty of Fontainebleau allowed French troops into Spain under the pretext of invading Portugal. However, Napoleon’s true intentions became clear as French forces remained in Spain. Godoy, realizing the deception, planned to relocate the royal family to Seville en route to America. However, the Mutiny of Aranjuez intervened, forcing Charles IV’s abdication.