Bourbon Absolutism and Enlightenment in 18th Century Spain
1. The War of Dynastic Succession
1.1 The International Conflict
The succession of Charles II, the last Habsburg, caused a major political crisis. His testament named Philip of Anjou (Philip V) as his successor. France supported Philip V, while Archduke Charles of Austria also claimed the throne. This sparked a war involving Austria, Great Britain, the United Provinces, Portugal, Savoy, and Prussia against France and Spain. In 1711, Archduke Charles inherited the Austrian throne, leading the United Provinces and Great Britain to break their alliance with Austria. Philip V renounced the French throne, ending the international conflict. The Treaty of Utrecht and the Treaty of Rastadt established new international relations:
- Spain lost its European and Italian possessions, leading to a focus on preserving its American colonies.
- Great Britain became the leading maritime power, entering the American trade and increasing the trafficking of enslaved people.
- European policy focused on maintaining a balance of power.
1.2 The War of Succession in Spain
The war became a social conflict within Spain. Castile remained loyal to Philip V, while the Crown of Aragon, particularly Valencia and Catalonia, supported Archduke Charles. This division stemmed from fear of Philip V’s absolutist tendencies and effective Austrian propaganda. Popular support in Castile for Philip V was based on expectations of change. The conflict led to drastic changes in Spanish politics and administration.
2. Bourbon Absolutism and Political Reform
2.1 Absolutism, Centralization, and Uniformity
Bourbon absolutism concentrated power in the king, legitimized by the Church. The Habsburgs had attempted a similar model but were unable to fully impose it. The War of Succession provided an opportunity for reforms, including increased tax collection and army reform. The Habsburg Polysynody system was replaced with a system of secretaries for War, Justice, State, Navy, and the Indies.
The Decrees of Nueva Planta abolished privileges and institutions of the Crown of Aragon. Valencia’s civil law was abolished. Navarra and the Basque Country retained their privileges due to their support for Philip V. Castile became the center of government.
Provincial Division: The decrees divided the realms into provinces ruled by Captains General. Stewards, with administrative, judicial, and financial duties, were replaced by Intendants. Viceroys and Intendants became the axes of the new absolutism.
2.2 Control of the Church (Regalism)
Regalism allowed monarchs to intervene in Church affairs. The Bourbons believed this right belonged to the king, not the papacy. Philip V asserted the right to appoint ecclesiastical offices and collect their revenues. The Concordat of 1753 allowed the Church to pay taxes, a practice continued by his successors. Charles III expelled the Jesuits in 1767, confiscating their assets due to alleged conspiracies.
2.3 Reform of the Army and Navy
The Bourbons needed a strong military. Initial reforms included new recruitment systems, changes in military organization, and the creation of a professional army. However, problems like corruption persisted. New shipyards and arsenals were built to protect the American colonies. The navy was professionalized, with notable contributions from José Patiño and the Marquis de la Ensenada.
3. Foreign Policy of the Bourbons
3.1 Revisionism and the Family Compacts
Philip V aimed to recover lost territories and secure the Spanish colonial empire. His initial revisionism, attempting to regain control in Italy, failed. He then adopted a more pragmatic policy based on negotiation and strategic intervention in conflicts.
The First Family Compact in 1733 recognized the Infante Charles as King of the Two Sicilies. The Second Family Compact granted the Duchy of Parma and Tuscany to the Infante Philip.
3.2 Foreign Policy in the Late 18th Century
Ferdinand VI focused on neutrality, military improvements, and securing the American colonies. Charles III, responding to British expansionism, signed the Third Family Compact with France and participated in the Seven Years’ War and the American Revolutionary War, regaining Florida, Minorca, and Uruguay. The French Revolution led to the crisis of the Family Compacts, and Spain allied with powers against the revolution.