Enlightenment and Reforms in 18th-Century Spain
The Reign of Charles III: An Era of Reforms
Charles III ruled as an absolutist king but appointed several Enlightenment thinkers as counselors, including Aranda, Floridablanca, and Olavide.
Economy
- He populated new lands for cultivation, such as the Alpujarras.
- Limited the privileges of the Mesta farmers.
- Promoted Royal Factories.
- Protected Spanish trade with American colonies.
Culture and Science
- Created Academies and primary schools.
- Reformed universities.
- Established Sociedades de Amigos del País to foster improvements.
Consolidation of Royal Authority
- Limited the power of the nobility and the clergy.
- Increased the power of the King over the Church.
- Expelled Jesuits from the Spanish Realms.
- Faced riots, such as the Esquilache Riots.
Changes During the Reign of Charles III
During the reign of Charles III, Spain experienced several significant changes:
- Population growth.
- Increased agricultural production.
- Expanded trade with America.
- Creation of new companies.
- Increased industrial production.
However, Spain’s economy continued to stagnate due to the low demand for products. Enlightenment thinkers believed that the economy would not grow while the land remained in the hands of the privileged groups and the peasants remained in poverty, limiting the demand for products.
Key Events During Charles III’s Reign (1759-1788)
- Family Compact with France (1761)
- Seven Years’ War (1756-1763): Spain and France fought against England and Portugal. The Treaty of Paris (1763) ended the war, with Spain losing Florida and Sacramento, while France ceded part of Louisiana to the United States.
- American War of Independence (1775-1783): Spain supported France in defeating Great Britain. The war’s end acknowledged the independence of the North American colonies. Spain regained Florida and Menorca, but this paved the way for the independence of Spanish colonies.
Philip V (1700-1746): Domestic Policy
The Spanish Bourbons, inspired by the French, centralized the government (absolutism) and implemented measures to establish administrative uniformity in their territories.
Central Administration
Ministries were created, and the various Cortes on the Iberian Peninsula were consolidated into one for the entire kingdom. This concentrated all power in the king, who was assisted by secretaries (ministers) directly appointed by him.
Territorial Administration
The War of Succession provided an opportunity for reforms, leading to the Decretos de Nueva Planta. These laws unified the state and abolished the privileges of the Crown of Aragon. Spain was divided into provinces, similar to the French model, each governed by a Captain General who held the highest civil and military authority.
The Ancien Regime Under Scrutiny
The Ancien Regime refers to the social, economic, and political structures characteristic of European monarchies during the 18th century. Society was hierarchical, with peasants at the bottom, followed by knights, vassals, the bourgeoisie, nobles, clergy, and the king at the apex.
The Enlightenment: A Movement for Change
The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement that emerged in Europe during the 18th century. It criticized the Ancien Regime. Supporters of this movement advocated for the use of reason, science, and education to combat ignorance and reform society, promoting social progress.
Key Enlightenment Thinkers
- Voltaire: Advocated for freedom of speech and religious tolerance.
- Montesquieu: Proposed the division of powers as the best way to control absolute power (executive, legislative, and judiciary).
- Rousseau: Believed in the state of nature and political liberalism.
Social Contract