Spain’s Bourbon Era: Succession, Enlightenment, and Reforms
The War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1713)
Charles II died, naming Philip of Anjou, grandson of Louis XIV of France, as his successor, who became Philip V. This marked the arrival of the Bourbon dynasty.
Factions formed within and outside Spain, supporting either Philip V or Archduke Charles of Habsburg. This led to a civil war and a wider European conflict.
The rising French hegemony and the feared union of the French and Spanish crowns under the same monarch prompted Britain and the Netherlands to support the Austrian candidate. Various European powers positioned themselves in anticipation of the Spanish succession conflict.
Philip V triumphed. A key factor was that Archduke Charles (who would become Charles VI) inherited the Holy Roman Empire in 1711, causing other powers to lose interest in his claim to the Spanish throne, fearing an even larger empire.
The Treaty of Utrecht (1713)
In 1713, the Spanish Netherlands and territories in Italy (Naples and Sardinia) were ceded to Austria. Savoy annexed the island of Sicily. Great Britain gained Gibraltar, Menorca, and the Asiento (permission to sell slaves in the Spanish Americas) and the Navío de Permiso (permission for one ship to trade with Spanish colonies annually). The Treaty of Utrecht marked the beginning of British hegemony.
The Enlightenment in Spain
The Enlightenment in Spain falls within the general framework of the European Enlightenment, characterized by a critical spirit, faith in reason, and confidence in scientific progress and educational efforts. Influences were mainly French and Italian. The ilustrados (enlightened thinkers) were a cultured minority composed of nobles, officials, burghers, and clergymen. They were primarily interested in:
- Reform and revitalization of the economy, including a focus on practical sciences and improving the education system.
- Moderate critique of certain aspects of the country’s social reality.
- Interest in new liberal political ideas, though, for the most part, they did not support revolutionary approaches.
Their reformist zeal led them into conflict with the Church and most of the aristocracy. Despite the efforts of the ilustrados, most of the country remained attached to traditional values. Figures like Benito Jerónimo Feijoo were instrumental in disclosing Newton’s science and critiquing traditional prejudices and superstitions. Major academies were created to diffuse knowledge. The movement reached its apogee during the reign of Charles III.
Eighteenth-Century Dynastic Change: Internal Reforms
The new Bourbon dynasty brought about significant changes in the state structure. These reforms were essentially introduced during the reign of Philip V (1700-1746).
Centralizing Measures for a More Effective State:
Decrees of Nueva Planta:
Abolition of the privileges and specific institutions of the kingdoms of the Crown of Aragon. The fueros (charters) of the Basque Country and Navarre remained supported, as these regions had backed Philip V during the War of Succession.
Territorial Administration Model:
Division of territory into provinces. The virreyes (viceroys) were replaced by Capitanes Generales (General Captains) as political governors of the provinces. The Audiencias Reales (Royal Courts) handled judicial matters. Following the French model, the figure of the Intendente (Intendant) was created, officials responsible for economic issues. Finally, the Ayuntamientos (Municipal Councils) retained the posts of alcalde (mayor), regidor (councilor), and personajes del común (common representatives, elected by the people for their defense).
Central Government Reforms:
The Bourbons also reformed the central government to consolidate a full absolute monarchy. All Councils were abolished, except the Council of Castile, which became the main advisory body to the king. Secretarías de Despacho (Secretariats of State) were established (State, War, Navy, Treasury, Justice, and the Indies), which were the precursors to modern ministries. In 1787, the Supreme Council of State was established, a forerunner of the Council of Ministers.
Regalist Policies:
The new dynasty intensified regalist policies, seeking the supremacy of the Crown and civil power over the Church. The two main measures were to establish greater control over the Inquisition and, most notably, the expulsion of the Jesuits, decreed by Charles III in 1767.