Charles III of Spain: An Enlightened Monarch
Charles III of Spain: An Enlightened Monarch
Introduction
Charles III (1759-1788) stands as a prime example of enlightened despotism in Spain. His reign embraced several Enlightenment principles:
- A focus on improving the kingdom’s economy and his subjects’ welfare.
- A drive to enhance state organization and rationalization, leaning towards administrative centralization and professionalization of services.
- The acceptance of the enlightened monarch as an ideal: rational, intellectual, and a patron of arts, sciences, and reform.
- Seeking support from enlightened philosophers and politicians.
Early Reign and the Esquilache Riots
Upon inheriting the throne from Ferdinand VI, Charles III, then King of the Two Sicilies, returned to Spain. Initially, he relied on Italian ministers, advocating radical reforms like free trade for cereals and church property confiscation. This sparked opposition, culminating in the Esquilache Riots of 1766. Several factors contributed to the unrest:
- Popular discontent due to high bread prices caused by poor harvests.
- Opposition to foreign ministers.
- Resistance from privileged classes to reforms.
- A decree banning traditional garments.
The riots led to the dismissal of Esquilache and a shift towards more moderate reforms.
Moderate Reforms
While moderated, reforms continued under Spanish ministers like Campomanes, Count of Aranda, and Floridablanca, supported by figures like Cabarrus, Olavide, and Jovellanos. These reforms spanned various areas:
Religious Reforms
Aiming to curb the Church’s power, measures included the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767, suppression of popular religious traditions, and limiting the Inquisition’s authority.
Economic Reforms
Measures included the creation of the National Lottery (1763) and the Bank of San Carlos (1782). Influenced by liberalism, reforms like free movement of grain and wine (1766) and liberalized trade with America (1778) were implemented. Land reform proposals, though never enacted, aimed to address economic issues stemming from land ownership. Agricultural development was promoted through limiting Mesta privileges, settling unpopulated lands, establishing new towns, and confiscating common goods.
Military Reforms
Compulsory military service, army reorganization, a professional officer corps, and new ordinances (1768) were introduced.
Social Reforms
Measures ranged from recognizing the dignity of industrial and commercial work (1783) to regulating bullfighting and controlling marginalized groups. Educational and scientific development, along with the creation of Economic Societies, were also supported.
Institutional Reforms
Municipal power was addressed by introducing elected positions, facing resistance from privileged classes.
Conclusion
Despite the reforms and improvements, enlightened despotism under Charles III faced limitations. When reforms threatened the ancien régime or social structures, they were often stalled by privileged opposition.