Spanish Monarchy: From Philip III to the Bourbons
Spanish Monarchy: From Philip III to the Bourbons
The Reign of Philip III and the Duke of Lerma (1598-1621)
Philip III, son and successor of Philip II, lacked political ambition, preferring leisure. His reign saw the rise of the Duke of Lerma, a favorite who effectively acted as prime minister. Lerma’s influence led to the relocation of the court to Valladolid in 1600, only to return to Madrid six years later. This period also marked a departure from the warmongering of the previous century, leading to economic recovery but also hampered by royal prodigality and corruption.
Expulsion of the Moors (1609 and 1614)
A major domestic policy under Lerma was the expulsion of the Moors, considered false converts and a potential threat. This decision, possibly intended to appease society, resulted in the loss of nearly 300,000 Moriscos, significantly impacting agriculture, particularly in Valencia and Aragon. This action continued the policy of religious intolerance begun by the Catholic Monarchs.
Twelve Years’ Truce (1609-1621)
Philip III’s reign also saw a pacifist foreign policy. The death of Elizabeth I of England and the exhaustion of both Spain and the Netherlands led to the Twelve Years’ Truce. This brief peace ended when Spain intervened in the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648).
Thirty Years’ War and the Reign of Philip IV (1621-1655)
The reign of Philip IV saw the continuation of the Thirty Years’ War, a conflict initially between Protestants and Catholics that escalated into a struggle for European hegemony. The war included the renewal of hostilities in the Spanish Netherlands after the end of the Twelve Years’ Truce.
War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) and the Treaty of Utrecht
The death of Charles II in 1700, without an heir, triggered the War of Spanish Succession. The conflict pitted the Austrian Habsburgs against the Bourbons, with England, the Netherlands, and Austria forming the Grand Alliance to support the Austrian claim. This war also involved a Spanish civil war, with the kingdoms of the Crown of Aragon supporting Charles of Austria.
The Bourbons and the New Plant Decrees
The first three Bourbon monarchs—Philip V, Ferdinand VI, and Charles III—centralized the Spanish monarchy, largely through the New Plant Decrees. These decrees abolished the privileges and institutions of the Crown of Aragon, except for Navarre and the Basque Country, which remained loyal during the War of Succession.
Marqués de la Ensenada (1702-1781)
A significant figure during the reigns of Philip V and Ferdinand VI, the Marqués de la Ensenada aimed to reorganize finances and increase revenue. He proposed a single income tax and commissioned a detailed census, known as the Ensenada Cadastre. However, opposition from privileged groups and his fall from grace prevented its full implementation. Ensenada also worked to strengthen the army and navy and reform trade.