18th Century Spanish Bourbon Dynasty & Reforms
The Eighteenth-Century Dynastic Change
The first three Bourbon kings of Spain (Philip V, Ferdinand VI, and Charles III) implemented significant political and administrative reforms, leading to a more centralized and unified monarchy. One of the most crucial changes was the strengthening of the monarchy’s legal and institutional framework.
In the eighteenth century, the powers of the councils (virreinatos) were diminished, with some functions transferred to the Secretaries of State and the Royal Office. These secretaries reported directly to the king. The State Board was established to coordinate the different secretariats, but it ultimately failed due to the conflicts it created.
The country was divided into municipalities, each headed by a steward, a trusted representative of the monarchy who acted as a territorial government delegate with diverse responsibilities. Through these stewards, numerous reform projects were initiated in the provinces.
The Council of the Indies saw its authority reduced, and secretariats were introduced. Similarly, the House of Trade of Seville was dissolved in 1790, ending the monopoly of a single port on trade with America. In America, the creation of a regular army and the establishment of municipalities reflected the monarchs’ efforts to exert greater control over the American colonies.
With the new Bourbon dynasty, government finances were consolidated. This was partly due to the loss of European possessions following the Peace of Utrecht, which led to the elimination of wasteful spending. Additionally, the implemented reforms generated increased revenue.
Practice of Enlightened Despotism
Enlightened despotism was the prevailing political theory in eighteenth-century Europe. It advocated for a reign based on two core principles: the absolute power of the monarchy and the ideal of the philosopher king. This approach aimed to achieve the best for the people, but without their direct involvement.
Charles III was the most prominent representative of this political philosophy in Spain. His reforms began in Madrid, where he paved streets, installed oil lamps for lighting, erected monuments, created promenades, implemented a garbage collection system, and prohibited littering. He also embellished the city with iconic structures like the Puerta de Alcalá and the Cibeles Fountain, built the Post Office and the Prado Museum, and improved the transportation network with a radial road system.
Charles III also attempted to address agricultural challenges. However, his measures were partial to avoid impacting privileged sectors. These included leasing municipal land to peasants with resources, colonizing new lands planned and financed by the Crown to encourage small peasant farmers, and drafting a land law to resolve land ownership issues. These measures proved insufficient, and land problems persisted into the nineteenth century.
The Evolution of Spanish Foreign Policy in Europe During the Eighteenth Century
The foreign policy of the Spanish Bourbons took shape after the Treaty of Utrecht, which resulted in significant territorial losses for Spain. Consequently, the primary foreign policy objective became the recovery of Gibraltar and Minorca, as well as the lost Italian territories.
Under Philip V, Spain attempted to regain its Italian possessions, challenging the territorial arrangements established by the Treaty of Utrecht. However, efforts to control Sicily and Sardinia failed. Subsequently, Spain entered into Family Pacts with France for mutual aid and defense. During Philip V’s reign, there were two such pacts:
- The 1st Family Compact: Spain and France joined forces in the War of the Polish Succession. They intervened in Italy, securing the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily for one of Elizabeth Farnese’s sons.
- The 2nd Family Compact: Spain participated in the War of the Austrian Succession, which resulted in the Duchy of Parma being granted to another of Elizabeth Farnese’s sons.
Ferdinand VI’s reign was marked by a period of peace due to his policy of neutrality in European conflicts.
The Enlightenment in Spain
The Enlightenment was the defining cultural and intellectual movement of the eighteenth century, also known as the Age of Reason. Enlightenment thought built upon the achievements of the seventeenth-century scientific revolution and emphasized the power of reason to understand both society and humanity. This led to an optimistic belief in progress and happiness.
However, Enlightenment ideas were not widespread in Spain, remaining confined to a small circle of nobles and clergy. The Enlightenment arrived late in Spain, with the reigns of Philip V and Ferdinand VI serving as a preparatory stage where theorists played a prominent role.
Change was driven “from above” through the dissemination of Enlightenment ideas by institutions like the Royal Society of Education and the Economic Societies of Friends of the Country. Education was differentiated based on social status, but educational reforms were limited and largely unsuccessful.
The Economic Societies of Friends of the Country were private organizations promoted and supported by Charles III and his minister, Pedro Rodríguez de Campomanes. They organized activities to promote new economic thinking and encourage the adoption of new techniques.
Finally, the periodical press emerged, featuring scientific and sociological literature that introduced Enlightenment concepts. Its readership consisted mainly of nobles and clergy members.