17th Century Spain: The Decline of the Habsburg Empire

Posted on Oct 19, 2024 in History

Philip III

Philip III inherited a vast empire exhausted by wars and economic crisis. He pursued peace with England and France, and a twelve-year truce with the Netherlands. He appointed the Duke of Lerma as his prime minister, marking the beginning of rule by royal favorites. The expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609, driven by religious anxieties and fears of piracy, had severe economic and demographic consequences, particularly in Aragon and Valencia, where agricultural lands were abandoned.

Philip IV

Philip IV’s reign saw the rise of the Count-Duke of Olivares, whose aggressive foreign policy entangled Spain in the Thirty Years’ War. Initially, Spain, allied with the German Emperor, enjoyed successes like the Battle of Breda. However, losses like the Battle of Rocroi became increasingly common. The Peace of Westphalia was a disaster for the Habsburgs, recognizing Dutch independence and French hegemony. An eleven-year war with France ended with the Peace of the Pyrenees, further diminishing Spanish territories.

Charles II

Charles II, a weak and sickly king, ruled under the regency of his mother, Mariana of Austria. His reign was marked by continued conflict with France, exacerbating Spain’s decline. Without an heir, the succession was contested by Philip of Anjou (backed by France and Castile) and Archduke Charles of Austria (supported by Aragon, Austria, England, the Netherlands, and Denmark), leading to the War of Succession. Charles II ultimately named Philip of Anjou as his successor, who would become Philip V.

Decline of the Spanish Empire

The 17th century witnessed Spain’s political and military decline, losing European hegemony to France. Philip III’s pacifist policies allowed Spain’s rivals to rearm. Philip IV’s attempted military resurgence was hampered by the Thirty Years’ War and subsequent treaties. Under Charles II, the decline accelerated, with territorial losses foreshadowing the further losses that would follow the War of Succession.

Causes of Decline:

  • Depletion of human and economic resources, particularly in Castile.
  • The strain of maintaining a vast empire and costly wars.
  • Economic decline, including reduced income and influx of precious metals.
  • The rise of economic powers like France and England.
  • Weak leadership and the influence of royal favorites pursuing personal gain.

Government and Internal Conflicts

The reigns of Philip III and Philip IV saw the rise of powerful royal favorites (the Duke of Lerma and the Count-Duke of Olivares, respectively) who often bypassed traditional advisory bodies, causing friction with the nobility. Olivares’ centralizing policies, aiming to impose Castilian administrative and fiscal models on other territories, sparked revolts.

Revolts:

  • Catalonia: Abuses by Castilian troops led to the “Corpus de Sang” revolt. Catalonia declared independence with French support, but after twelve years of conflict and economic hardship, they surrendered.
  • Portugal: Unpopular Castilian policies led to Portugal’s proclamation of independence, further straining Spanish resources.
  • Naples and Sicily: While not seeking full independence, these regions revolted against increased taxes and military levies.
  • Andalusia and Aragon: These regions also experienced uprisings against central authority.

The Golden Age

Despite political and economic turmoil, the 17th century was also a period of cultural flourishing in Spain, known as the Golden Age.

Economy and Society:

  • Demographics: Population declined due to epidemics, crop failures, and the expulsion of the Moriscos.
  • Agriculture: Land abandonment and declining production were widespread.
  • Industry: Declining demand and resource shortages led to the displacement of Spanish goods by higher-quality imports.
  • Trade: The exhaustion of silver mines, piracy, and other factors reduced trade revenues.
  • Finance: The crown raised taxes, debased currency, and sold lands and titles to address fiscal crises.
  • Social Structure: The privileged classes (nobility and clergy) grew, increasing the burden on the lower classes. The lower nobility suffered economic hardship due to declining incomes and rising prices. Many in the bourgeoisie acquired titles and lived off rents. Poverty and beggary were widespread, leading to frequent riots.

Culture:

  • Literature: This period saw the publication of Cervantes’ Don Quixote, the rise of playwrights like Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca, and the contrasting poetic styles of Góngora and Quevedo.
  • Art: The Baroque style, linked to the Counter-Reformation, dominated. Architecture featured elaborate decoration, exemplified by the Churrigueresque style. Sculpture emphasized naturalism, movement, and emotional expression, primarily in polychromed wood. Painting was characterized by complex compositions, dynamic movement, and the exploration of light, with Velázquez as the leading figure, followed by Murillo and Ribera.