Spain in the 17th Century: Society, Economy, and American Colonies
Foreign Policy of Felipe IV
He signed the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. This treaty marked the end of the Thirty Years’ War, and Spain recognized the Independence of the Netherlands after an 80-year war. He also signed the Peace of the Pyrenees in 1659 with France, in which Spain lost Rosellón and Cerdaña.
Society and Economy
Mental restraints on society included:
- The purity of blood: People preferred old Christian bloodlines and showed intolerance against those with Jewish or Muslim origins.
- The disdain for manual labor (vivir de rentas).
Rise of Prices
All the gold and silver that came from America, the wars in Europe, and the luxuries of the Royal Court led to a significant increase in prices, hurting the peasants and poorer sectors of society.
Economic Crisis of the 17th Century
Spain suffered a population decline caused by wars, epidemics, and emigration to America. Trade became less important, and the Monarchy had to declare several bankruptcies (when it could not pay its debts).
American Exploration
The main events in this process were:
- Núñez de Balboa reached the Pacific Ocean.
- Ponce de León explored Florida.
- Orellana traveled along the Amazon River.
- Magellan and Elcano discovered the Strait of Magellan and made the first voyage around the world.
Conquest of America
America was conquered during this period, with great resistance by the natives. Hernán Cortés began the conquest of the Aztecs in 1519. After great resistance, they were defeated in 1521. Francisco de Pizarro conquered the Incan Empire, imprisoning Emperor Atahualpa and defeating his empire.
Reasons for the Success of the Conquest
- They had a superior military.
- They took advantage of intertribal wars.
- They carried diseases to America, like smallpox, that killed a large portion of the native population.
Organization of America
In Spain
Two important institutions controlled America:
- The Council of the Indies, which helped the kings with the government of the new territories.
- The House of Trade, which controlled trade and emigration to America. It also created maps and trained sailors.
In America
- Viceroyalties: Run by a viceroy, the maximum representative of the king in America. There were two: New Spain for North America and Peru for South America.
- Governors ruled the provinces.
- Mayors and corregidores ruled the cities.
- Courts of Justice called Audiencias administered Spanish laws.
Society and Economy of America
Mining
America provided large amounts of gold and silver. There were important mines in Zacatecas and Potosí (vales un Potosí).
Products
Europe brought products like grapes, olives, horses, sheep, and pigs, and America exported corn, potatoes, cocoa, and tomatoes to Europe.
Culture
The conquerors imposed Spanish language and Catholicism on the natives of America.
Social Organization of America
- Peninsulares: Born in Spain, they were the dominant group and belonged to the upper class. They were a minority.
- Criollos: Descendants of the peninsulares but born in America. They were also part of the upper class but less powerful than the peninsulares.
- Mestizos and Mulattoes: Mestizos were children of Europeans and natives, and mulattoes were children of Europeans and slaves.
- Natives: They comprised most of the population and were considered socially inferior.
- African Slaves