18th Century Spain: War of Succession & Enlightened Despotism
Spain in the 18th Century
The War of Succession and the Treaty of Utrecht
Charles II, the last Habsburg king, died in 1700 without an heir and left the throne to Philip of Anjou, a Bourbon. However, Archduke Charles of Habsburg did not accept this decision, leading to the War of Succession. This war was both a European conflict (between the Franco-Spanish side and England, Portugal, and Savoy) and a civil war (with the Crown of Castile supporting Philip and the Crown of Aragon supporting Archduke Charles).
When Archduke Charles became Emperor of Germany after his brother’s death, England and Holland lost interest in a potential union of Spain and Germany. The war ended with the Peace of Utrecht (1713), which recognized Philip V as King of Spain. England gained Gibraltar and Minorca, the asiento (right to trade slaves with Spanish America), and the navío de permiso (permission to send a ship to trade with Spanish America). Spain lost all its European territories. However, the war continued in Catalonia until 1714. Barcelona was besieged and fell to Philip V’s troops after heroic resistance. As punishment for supporting the Austrians, Philip V enacted the Nueva Planta decrees, which abolished the fueros (local laws and institutions) and self-government of the kingdoms of the Crown of Aragon.
Dynastic Change: The Early Bourbons
The succession of Charles II (the last Austrian king) caused both internal and external political problems. Charles II had named Philip of Anjou, a Frenchman, as his successor. Philip V, the first Bourbon king of Spain, faced challenges to his claim from Archduke Charles of Austria. However, Philip had the support of France. With Philip V’s ascension, a new monarchy began, characterized by profound administrative reforms aimed at centralization and efficiency. Foreign policy was marked by shifting alliances.
Reforms in the Organization of the State: The Centralized Monarchy
The Spanish Habsburgs desired a model similar to the French monarchy but were unable to implement it. The arrival of a French king was expected to bring immediate change. However, this was not the case, as other factors were at play. Reforms were initiated to strengthen the state through political centralization and uniformity.
The first measures were determined by the needs of the war. The army and navy were reformed, with notable contributions from José Patiño and the Marquis of Ensenada. They changed the structure of the councils of the monarchy and introduced secretariats, dividing them into four: War, Navy and the Indies, Justice, and State. Later, Hacienda (Treasury) was added. Another step was the implementation of the Nueva Planta decrees, which abolished the fueros and institutions of the kingdoms of the Crown of Aragon, subjecting them to Castilian law. This fostered centralization and uniformity.
Territorial administration was left to intendants and captains general. Another aspect was the control of the Church, with monarchs intervening in all aspects of Church life.
The Practice of Enlightened Despotism: Charles III
Enlightened despotism was a form of absolutism practiced by 18th-century monarchs who implemented reforms to modernize their states and adapt to new conditions, following Enlightenment doctrines. However, they did not change the social structures or the absolute monarchy system – “everything for the people, without the people.” The best example in Spain was Charles III, son of Philip V and Elisabeth Farnese.
In the early years of his reign, Charles III relied on Italian ministers (Grimaldi and Squillace), who supported radical reforms that led to opposition and the Esquilache Riots. Subsequently, he adopted a more moderate approach with reforms promoted by Spanish ministers (Campomanes, Count of Aranda, and Count of Floridablanca). These ministers undertook multiple reforms, stimulated the economy, and improved Madrid. In foreign policy, Charles III adopted an Atlanticist approach: he participated in the Seven Years’ War alongside France (Third Family Pact) against Great Britain and supported the American War of Independence, recovering Minorca and Florida (Treaty of Versailles).
Foreign Policy Developments in Europe
The Treaty of Utrecht created a new international situation. Spain’s new interests were recovering Minorca and Gibraltar, defending its colonial empire, and obtaining Italian thrones for the sons of Queen Elisabeth, Charles and Philip. England was the natural enemy (due to maritime trade), and France was an ally (due to family ties).
Relations with France: Initially, the policy of war in Italy failed. From 1733, the Family Pacts were established with the Treaty of Vienna. In 1738, Charles of Bourbon became King of Naples.
Relations with Austria: Spain participated in the War of the Austrian Succession, which ended with the Peace of Aachen in 1748. Philip of Bourbon obtained the duchies of Parma and Piacenza, but Spain did not recover Gibraltar.
Relations with England: Several wars took place: the War of Jenkins’ Ear (1739-1748), followed by the Seven Years’ War, which ended in defeat for Spain and France. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 resulted in France losing its North American colonies and Spain losing Florida. Spanish participation in the American War of Independence ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, in which England returned Florida and Menorca to Spain, but Gibraltar was not recovered.