Spain’s 17th-Century Decline: From Habsburg Hegemony to Crisis
Philip III (1598-1621)
Lacking interest in politics, Philip III focused on hunting and gambling, delegating power to the Duke of Lerma. This led to favoritism, court relocation, and the political resurgence of the high nobility.
Foreign Policy
A pacifist approach marked Philip III’s reign. The death of England’s Elizabeth I and Spain’s financial ruin led to the Twelve Years’ Truce with the Netherlands.
Domestic Policy
The expulsion of the Moriscos, driven by religious intolerance and a desire to display royal power, affected around 300,000 people, primarily in Valencia and Aragon.
Philip IV (1621-1665)
With the Count-Duke of Olivares as his valido, Philip IV showed greater interest in governing and a strong desire for reform.
The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648)
This European conflict began with disputes between Catholics and Protestants in Germany.
Palatine Period (1618-1623)
Spanish imperial triumphs marked this period, with victories at Mont Blanc and the capture of the Palatinate, solidifying Ferdinand II’s authority.
Danish Period (1625-1628)
Christian IV of Denmark faced imperial troops, culminating in the Peace of Lübeck after Wallenstein’s victory at Lutter.
Swedish Period (1630-1635)
Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden led the Protestant forces, supported by France. Victories at Lützen and Leipzig were followed by his death and the eventual Peace of Prague after the Imperial victory at Nordlingen.
French Period (1635-1648)
France allied with Sweden, Holland, German Protestants, Savoy, and Parma. Revolts in Catalonia and Portugal weakened Spain. The defeat at Rocroi in 1643 marked a significant blow to Spanish power. The Peace of Westphalia ended the war.
Rebellion and Independence of Portugal (1640-1668)
Forced recruitment, taxes, and the inability to defend Portuguese trade interests led to the Duke of Braganza’s proclamation as King John IV, aided by England. Portugal achieved independence in 1668.
Peace of Westphalia (1648)
This treaty established religious tolerance in the Holy Roman Empire, transformed the Empire into a confederation of independent states, granted independence to the Netherlands, expanded French and Swedish territories, and marked the end of Habsburg hegemony in Europe.
The Crisis of 1640
The Count-Duke of Olivares’ reforms aimed to restore imperial tradition and strengthen the monarchy. However, continuous war, economic hardship, and resistance from peripheral kingdoms fueled the crisis.
Olivares’ Reforms
- State Bank: A national treasury network.
- Legal and Institutional Unification: Aimed to solidify Philip IV’s authority as king of a unified Spain.
- Union of Arms: A standing army of 140,000 men recruited proportionally from all realms.
The Fall of Olivares
Postponed reforms, economic decline, and new taxes worsened the situation. Peripheral kingdoms rejected centralist policies, and the nobility resented their diminished prominence.
Catalan Rebellion (1640-1652)
Forced recruitment, the Union of Arms, the behavior of Spanish and Italian troops, and the decline in trade led to clashes and the Corpus of Blood riot. The Catalans allied with France.