Spanish Bourbon Dynasty: Centralized Absolutism and Reform
The War of Spanish Succession (1701-1713)
Castile remained faithful to the Bourbon monarch, Philip V. However, most of the territories of the Crown of Aragon supported the Austrian candidate, fearing the loss of their privileges. The war initially favored the Philippists, who achieved victory in the Battle of Almansa (1707), subsequently occupying Valencia and Zaragoza.
In 1713, Archduke Charles of Austria inherited the imperial crown after his brother’s death. Now fearful of excessive Habsburg power, Britain and the Netherlands withdrew their support for Archduke Charles and signed the Treaty of Utrecht (1713). This treaty ended the international conflict and recognized Philip V as King of Spain.
The European territories of the Spanish monarchy were ceded to Austria. Britain gained Gibraltar and Menorca.
Bourbon Absolutism
The Spanish Bourbons, Philip V and Ferdinand VI, followed the example of their French relatives and implemented the French model of centralized absolutism. All powers resided in the monarch, and the Cortes (parliament) were practically nullified.
To govern, the king was assisted by advisors or secretaries appointed by him, who met in the Cabinet. The Cortes disappeared, except those of Castile, and legislative work depended on the monarch. The Councils were maintained, especially that of Castile, but their role was purely advisory.
Territorial Uniformity
In addition to centralizing all power in his hands, the Bourbons aimed to unify their entire territory by imposing uniform laws, an identical administration, and the homogenization of all their institutions.
As punishment, Philip V abolished all jurisdictions and institutions of the Crown of Aragon and imposed the New Plant Decrees, establishing a Castilian administrative system throughout his territories. The territory was divided into provinces, each headed by a Captain General with military and administrative power. In each province, Audiencias (courts) were created, and Corregidores were appointed for the government of municipalities, along with mayors for tax collection.
Bourbon Reformism
The Enlightenment in Spain
In 18th-century Spain, a group of enlightened thinkers emerged. They were concerned about Spain’s decline and set goals for economic growth, societal reform, improved education, and cultural modernization. Notable figures included the Count of Floridablanca, the Count of Campomanes, and the Count of Aranda.
However, the absence of extensive bourgeois groups in Spain and the enormous weight of the Church hindered the spread of Enlightenment ideas. Most enlightened thinkers ended up working with the monarchy. These thinkers found effective support in King Charles III. Without relinquishing his power and privileges, and without breaking with the nobility, the monarch surrounded himself with some prominent enlightened figures, such as Aranda and Floridablanca.
Economic Growth in the 18th Century
The 18th century saw a predominantly rural and agrarian society with backward estates and poor performance. However, general demographic expansion and Charles III’s reform measures improved the economic situation. Population growth was notable.
Population growth led to increased demand for products. Through a series of new crops, agricultural improvements allowed for the expansion of irrigated land and increased agricultural production. Trade and industry were modernized. Trading companies expanded, and Royal Manufactures (state-sponsored factories) were created and protected, alongside private manufacturing. Tariffs were enacted to protect domestic industry from foreign competition.
The main obstacle to industrial development was low demand resulting from widespread poverty. Enlightened thinkers emphasized land reform that would break with the concentration of land ownership among the privileged.
Vocabulary
- Old Regime: Society of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, characterized by a stratified social structure and an agrarian economy.
- Absolute Monarchy: A monarchy where all powers of divine character resided in the king, who was accountable to no one.
- Mercantilism: Economic system of the 16th and 17th centuries that advocated for a country to become rich by selling more to foreign countries than it buys from them.
- Academies: Official societies of writers, artists, philosophers, and scientists that discussed knowledge and helped its spread.
- Salons: Meetings of writers and thinkers organized by a patron in their home, where writings were read, debated, and opinions were shared on various issues.
- Habeas Corpus: A law stating that individuals cannot be detained without cause, and if detained, they cannot be held for more than 72 hours without being brought before a judge.
- Jurisdiction: The set of laws and customs originating in the Middle Ages that remained in effect in the former territories of the Crown of Aragon and Navarre.
- Tariffs: Customs taxes applied to imports and exports.
- Age of Enlightenment: The 18th century.