Spain in the 18th Century: Reforms and Societal Changes
The Treaty of Utrecht
The Treaty of Utrecht, an armistice signed in Utrecht by delegations from the kingdoms of Spain and Britain on July 13, 1713, concluded the War of Succession following the death of Carlos II without an heir. This treaty recognized Philip V as King of Spain, establishing the Bourbon dynasty. Territorial changes redistributed Spanish possessions in Europe. Austria acquired Flanders, Naples, Sardinia, and part of the Duchy of Milan. The House of Savoy obtained Sicily and some enclaves in the Netherlands. England gained Menorca, Gibraltar, and the monopoly of the slave trade in America (“black seat”), along with the “ship of permission.” Portugal received the colony of Sacramento (Uruguay), crucial for Portuguese and British smuggling in Spanish America.
The Esquilache Mutiny and its Aftermath
In the early years of his reign, Charles III faced significant challenges. The Esquilache Mutiny of 1766 was a popular revolt against food shortages caused by crop failures and aggravated by the 1765 liberalization of bread prices. It was also a protest against measures taken by Minister Esquilache, including urban sanitation, street lighting, and prohibitions on gambling, weapons, and the use of slouch hats or long capes. The revolt was likely instigated by privileged groups against the reform measures of the new king and his ministers. After suppressing the uprising, the King, aided by Campomanes, Aranda, and Floridablanca, continued his reform program. To reassert his authority, he expelled the Jesuits, accusing them of instigating the revolt.
Report on the Agrarian Law
Summary: This document presents an opinion from the Patriotic Society of Madrid regarding land ownership, sent to the King. It argues that land is excessively expensive due to its scarcity, as most of it is amortized (not on the market). This prevents capital from being invested in agriculture, which remains in the hands of undercapitalized settlers. Wealthy landowners, monasteries, and the nobility dedicate their properties to grazing, resulting in sparse populations and poor cultivation.
Jovellanos: Character and Ideology
Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos is considered one of the most important authors of the Spanish Enlightenment. Of noble origin, he was appointed Mayor of the Criminal Court of the Audiencia of Seville in 1767. During this period, he connected with enlightened circles and collaborated with them. He later moved to Madrid after being appointed Mayor and Court House until 1790, coinciding with the reformist momentum of Charles III’s reign. This was a stage of active participation in various organizations, including academies, the Economic Society, and the Royal Board of Trade, Currency, and Mines, making him a leading figure of his time. After Charles III’s death, a significant change in the internal political situation affected enlightened circles. Jovellanos was banished to Gijón (1790-1798), where he published some of his most important works, such as the Report on the Agrarian Law (1794).
Economic Societies of Friends of the Country
These societies were established in Spain, Ireland, and Switzerland from the second half of the 18th century, influenced by Enlightenment ideas. They emerged as non-state cultural agents aiming to promote Spain’s development by studying the economic situation of each province and addressing its problems. These societies promoted agriculture, commerce, and industry, and translated and published foreign works supporting physiocracy and liberalism. They required royal licenses to be established and met, involving the most dynamic sectors of society, including leading figures of the nobility, public officials, the Church, businesses, and artisans.
The Nueva Planta Decrees and the Crown of Aragon
Consequences of the Nueva Planta Decrees
The Nueva Planta Decrees were imposed in Aragon and Valencia in 1707, Mallorca in 1715, and Catalonia in 1716. These decrees abolished traditional institutions and fueros (regional privileges) of the realms. They transformed the kingdoms of the Crown of Aragon into provinces, as seen on the map, governed by a Captain General and the President of the Audience. This system was generalized throughout Spain. The territory was divided into 11 captaincies-audiences, with judicial and governmental functions. Murcia was integrated into the captaincy of Valencia, breaking the old boundaries of the kingdoms. The 21 provinces of Castile were maintained, with the addition of four more from the Crown of Aragon.
Territories Maintaining Privileges
The privileges of the Basque provinces and Navarra were maintained because they supported Philip V during the War of Succession. The Basque provinces were like a foreign body in an increasingly centralized monarchy. This created tensions between some absolute monarchs and statutory law. The elimination of internal customs and other economic privileges was the main point of contention. Small modifications were usually agreed upon, such as a customs agreement reached with Biscay in 1727. Thus, the fueros were kept as the main political and legal framework of the Basques.
The Situation in La Rioja
The Province of Logroño, now called La Rioja, was part of the historical region of Castilla la Vieja. In the 18th century, it was divided between the municipalities of Burgos and Soria. In 1810, it was almost entirely within the prefecture of Burgos, following the territorial division proposed by King Joseph Bonaparte. On October 15, 1821, the courts decided to name the region the “Province of Logroño,” later renamed “Province of La Rioja.” However, this measure was revoked by Fernando VII. It was not until the Royal Decree of November 30, 1833, that Javier de Burgos established the final liberal administrative division, recognizing the region as a province under the name “Province of Logroño.”
The Intendant
The Intendant was a royal officer, reporting directly to the King. He executed policy in his area and held a set of attributes that varied over time, ultimately fulfilling the multiple and growing powers of the absolute state. His primary mission was to centralize administration, serving as a bridge between Madrid and provincial capitals. He was the most important administrative officer in the province, appointed and controlled by the government, but with the authority to issue local orders. The Intendant’s mission was multifaceted, encompassing military administration, finance, government, and justice within his province.