Seventeenth Century Crisis: Spain’s Decline and Golden Age
The Seventeenth Century Crisis in Spain
In the seventeenth century, Castile ceased to be the dominant world power. Its kings, known as the Austrians, delegated governmental tasks to their trusted confidants, shielding themselves from problems. Notable figures included Philip III’s Duke of Lerma and Philip IV’s Count-Duke of Olivares, as well as Juan Carlos II of Austria. These figures replaced organized councils, governing with the king’s confidence. This reflected the dynasty’s physical and intellectual decline, leading to a loss of European hegemony to France.
The Crisis of 1640
This crisis arose from Olivares’ centralizing policies, aiming to equalize tax contributions and laws across all kingdoms to maintain European political dominance. The rebellion against the Union of Arms, coupled with France’s attack via the Pyrenees, fueled the crisis. Protests against the Union of Arms and the conduct of soldiers led to the appointment of King Louis XIII of France as Count of Barcelona in 1641. The crisis ended in 1642 when Barcelona surrendered to the King.
Portugal gained independence due to discontent over Castile’s inability to defend Portuguese trade against the Dutch and English. In 1640, Portugal declared independence, proclaiming the Duke of Braganza as king. Castile recognized Portugal’s independence in 1652. Following Olivares’ resignation, Castile lost its hegemony after Westphalia and the Pyrenees.
The Decline of the Spanish Empire in Europe
France replaced Castile as the top world power due to defeats in wars and internal crises.
The reign of Philip III (1598-1621) was a time of peace, while Philip IV’s reign was marked by continuous war, most notably the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). The causes of this decline included the struggle with France for European hegemony, ongoing conflict with Protestants and Northern Flanders, and defending the interests of the Austrian Habsburgs.
The war progressed through stages, beginning with victories until France entered the conflict, followed by losses such as Rocroy in 1643. The War of Westphalia in 1648 concluded with Castile recognizing the independence of Flanders. The War of Spanish Succession (1700-1713) and the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 marked the arrival of a new dynasty and the loss of remaining European possessions.
The Spanish Golden Age
The first 60 years of the seventeenth century marked the Golden Age of culture, characterized by extraordinary literary and artistic production. The Baroque style dominated art and culture, reflecting the Catholic Counter-Reformation’s opposition to Protestantism.
Literature explored themes of disappointment, pessimism, and the transience of life, reflecting everyday issues. Famous authors included Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Calderón de la Barca, Góngora, and Quevedo. Notable painters included Velázquez, Murillo, Rivera, and Zurbarán.
Religious sculpture was richly adorned, with famous sculptors such as Gregorio Fernandez and Martinez Montanes. While the artistic development had a positive impact, religious pressure and the feudal mentality’s contempt for productive work contributed to scientific stagnation, hindering empiricism and rationalism.