Spanish Succession, Enlightened Despotism & Inquisition
War of Succession and the Utrecht System
In 1700, Charles II died childless, proclaiming Philip of Anjou, grandson of King Louis XIV of France, as his heir. Charles of Habsburg also had a claim to the throne, leading to the War of the Spanish Succession in 1701. The Hague formed the Grand Alliance against Louis XIV. In Spain, Philip V gained support in Catalonia, Aragon, and Castile, while others sided with Austria.
By 1705, the conflict became a civil war in Europe, marked by Austrian victories. However, the death of Joseph I, Austrian Emperor, in 1711, and the succession of Archduke Charles, shifted the balance. Fearing the union of Spain and Austria under Charles, Britain and the Netherlands withdrew support for Austria and recognized Philip V, leading to the Peace of Utrecht in April 1713.
The peace terms included Philip V’s renunciation of the French throne and the loss of territories in Italy and the Netherlands. Britain retained Gibraltar and secured the asiento (slave trade) and navío de permiso (trading rights). Charles IV signed the Treaty of Rastatt with France, relinquishing Spain, Milan, Naples, and Sardinia.
Enlightened Despotism: Carlos III
Carlos III ascended to the Spanish throne after the death of his brother, Ferdinand VI, who died without an heir. Carlos III aimed to implement reformist and enlightened policies in Spain, focusing on strengthening state power, political modernization, and foreign policy.
His reforms included:
- Economics: Promulgation of the Regulation of Free Trade in 1788.
- Administration: Centralist policies and the creation of the Supreme Council of State.
- Infrastructure: Construction of a radial road network from Madrid and postal service reform.
- Colonization: Settlement of Sierra Morena and land distribution to the landless.
Despite these benefits, Carlos III faced criticism regarding the privileges of the ancien régime and the Esquilache Riots of 1766, triggered by rising bread prices and reforms in Madrid. Consequently, Carlos III dismissed Minister Squillace, lowered bread prices, and expelled the Jesuits, whom he blamed for inciting the riots.
Decline of Spanish Rule in Europe
The Thirty Years’ War, fueled by the alliance between the Spanish and Austrian Habsburgs and the division between Protestants and Catholics, marked a turning point. Austria sought support from France, Denmark, Holland, and Sweden to counter Habsburg dominance. The war involved significant participation from Spanish and French troops.
Early battles, such as White Mountain and Nordlingen, saw Habsburg victories. However, under Richelieu, the French allied with Protestant Dutch forces, ultimately defeating the Spanish at Rocroi. The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 recognized the independence of the United Provinces of the North.
Culture, Mental Health, and the Inquisition
The 16th century saw the rise of Renaissance humanistic thought, fostering scientific advancements in geography, cosmography, medicine, and botany. However, the Counter-Reformation restricted the dissemination of certain humanistic ideas. Religious pressure led to an emphasis on limpieza de sangre (purity of blood) certificates.
The Inquisition, a powerful and autonomous institution in Spanish territories, aimed to punish false converts and those deemed to oppose the Church. It wielded significant economic power and often relied on anonymous, and often false, accusations. These events contributed to the Black Legend surrounding Spain.