Spanish Habsburgs in the 17th Century: Reign and Diplomacy
The Austrian Habsburgs in 17th Century Spain: Internal Governments
Both validos and conflicts with Charles I, as well as the secretary to Philip II, never exceeded the status of assistants of the king. However, after Philip III assumed the throne, validos, secretaries, or virtually all governmental affairs.
Philip III (1598-1621)
Philip III appointed his first valido, the Duke of Lerma, who was devoid of political education and honesty. The Duke sold and bought extravagant favors and rights. He was
Read MoreMaria Cristina’s Regency in Spain: 1833-1840
The Regency of Maria Cristina: 1833-1840
First Feature: The First Carlist War
Stage 1: 1833-1835
This stage was marked by Carlist military successes until the death of their most prominent general, Zumalacárregui.
Stage 2: 1835-1837
This stage is characterized by Carlist military expeditions south of the Ebro River. The most important was the so-called Royal Expedition, led by Carlos María Isidro himself, which almost conquered Madrid.
Stage 3: 1837-1840
This stage is characterized by the military successes
Read MoreThe Spanish War of Independence: Treaties, Key Figures, and Timeline
The Spanish War of Independence
Treaties
- Fontainebleau Treaty: Signed between Napoleon and Manuel de Godoy in December 1807. It stipulated that French troops could pass through Spain to conquer Portugal. The conquered territory would be divided into three parts: two for Naples and one for Manuel de Godoy.
- Valençay Treaty: Signed in 1813 between France and Spain. It stipulated that French troops should leave Spain, and Ferdinand VII would return as king.
Key Figures
- Charles IV: King of Spain, known for
Miguel Primo de Rivera’s Regime in Spain: 1923-1930
On September 13, 1923, Captain General Miguel Primo de Rivera seized power in Spain through a coup d’état in Catalonia. This event was facilitated by the strong impact on public opinion of the Annual disaster and the subsequent investigation known as the Picasso dossier. Proclaimed in Barcelona, Primo de Rivera presented his regime as the best way to restore social, economic, and political stability to Spain. As shown in Document 2, he expressed positive intentions for the country’s renewal. King
Read MoreRise of Modern Europe: 15th Century Transformations
The Beginnings of the Modern Age
From the mid-fifteenth century, Europe underwent a series of transformations that resulted in the launch of a new era in history: the Modern Age.
Birth of the Authoritarian Monarchies
The feudal monarchy transitioned into authoritarian monarchies in Western Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. This new form of state organization was analyzed by Machiavelli in his work The Prince, where he affirmed that monarchs could even benefit from amoral actions if they served
Read MoreThirty Years’ War, 1640 Crisis, and Westphalia Peace
The Thirty Years’ War and the Crisis of 1640
When Spain entered the war against the Protestants in support of Austria, days before Philip IV became king, the twelve-year truce between Holland and Spain ended. Neither was willing to renew it. The Spanish did not want to recognize the independence of the United Provinces, beginning a war that would last half a century. Shortly after, the Protestants were joined by England and Denmark. During the first years, the Habsburgs remained in control in Germany