Habsburg Spain: Internal Conflicts & 17th Century Decline
Habsburg Spain: Internal Conflicts and 17th Century Decline
The 17th century saw significant changes in the political system of the Spanish monarchy under the Habsburgs. A key innovation was the rise of the *validos*. These were noble individuals from the aristocracy who took on some of the king’s duties, effectively acting as prime ministers. However, this new system led to a surge in corruption. *Validos* often used their positions to secure positions, pensions, and grants for their families. This situation contributed to a series of internal conflicts.
During the reign of Philip III, the expulsion of the Moors was decreed. This significantly impacted the kingdoms of Aragon and Valencia, causing depopulation in certain areas and a shortage of agricultural labor.
The *valido* of Philip IV, the Count-Duke of Olivares, initiated the Union of Arms to fund Spain’s participation in the Thirty Years’ War. Catalonia’s refusal to participate sparked a war between Catalonia and France against the troops of Philip IV. Emboldened by the Catalan rebellion, Portugal also launched a rebellion. Ultimately, Mariana of Austria, regent mother of Charles II, recognized Portugal’s independence in 1668.
The Crisis of 1640
The Union of Arms was a system of reforms that Olivares implemented to address the challenges of the Thirty Years’ War. These reforms included the creation of a national bank, equal taxation across all territories of the monarchy, and a unified system for recruiting soldiers for the Habsburg army. Olivares aimed to establish a fully centralized absolute monarchy. However, his efforts triggered widespread rebellion.
- The Catalan Revolt (1640-1652): Provoked by clashes between Spanish and Italian soldiers, a group of rebels assassinated the Viceroy of Barcelona on Corpus Christi in 1640. The rebels sought the protection of Louis XIII of France. In 1652, the Catalans surrendered due to the plague, economic crisis, and French oppression.
- The Secession of Portugal (1640-1668): The Portuguese nobility had never fully accepted their incorporation into the Spanish realm under Philip II. In 1640, they rebelled and proclaimed John IV as King of Portugal. Olivares’ focus on recovering Catalonia, coupled with support for John IV from France and England, allowed the Portuguese to solidify their independence. Portugal’s independence was formally recognized in 1668 during the reign of Charles II.
The Decline of Habsburg Hegemony in Foreign Policy
The 17th century witnessed the emergence of a new international order in Europe, marked by constant warfare. The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 concluded the Thirty Years’ War. This treaty signified the triumph of a “horizontal Europe,” based on independent monarchies pursuing diplomatic and military balance, over a “vertical Europe” dominated by the Habsburgs. The Peace of Westphalia marked the end of Habsburg hegemony.
Philip III’s reign was largely peaceful, and he signed the Twelve Years’ Truce. However, under Philip IV, Spain became embroiled in major conflicts again, participating in the Thirty Years’ War in support of the Habsburg princes of Vienna and German Catholics. Initially, the Habsburgs were victorious, but the tide soon turned, and they suffered repeated defeats. The Habsburgs’ inability to prevail led to the Treaty of Westphalia, which ended the war and recognized the independence of the Dutch Republic.
Spain continued its war against France, but it ended with the Peace of the Pyrenees, in which Philip IV accepted significant territorial concessions. The death of Charles II without an heir triggered the War of the Spanish Succession. The subsequent Treaty of Utrecht marked the end of the Spanish empire in Europe.