Spain’s 17th Century: Crisis, Decline, and Shifting Power
Spain in the Seventeenth Century: A Time of Crisis
The seventeenth century marked a significant period of decline for Spain, characterized by a multifaceted crisis encompassing the economy, demography, warfare, and the eventual end of the Habsburg dynasty. The reigns of Philip III, Philip IV, and Charles II saw the power of the king diminish, with influential figures like the Count of Olivares and the Duke of Sanlúcar wielding considerable authority.
The Count-Duke of Olivares and Spain’s International Ambitions
The Count-Duke of Olivares aimed to restore Spain’s international prominence after the Duke of Lerma’s period of government. However, he faced immense challenges, ultimately leading to Spain’s loss of political influence to France. The Treaty of Westphalia saw Spain cede Artois and other territories in Flanders, while the Peace of the Pyrenees solidified French supremacy. Olivares’ proposals focused on strengthening the central government, which sparked uprisings in Portugal and Catalonia.
The Reign of Charles II and the Rise of Creole Identity
The reign of Charles II signaled the end of the Habsburg dynasty. In the American colonies, the seventeenth century witnessed the growing consciousness of the native Creole population. These Creoles formed the nucleus of a new American ruling class, which would later spearhead the fight for independence. However, the economic returns from the Indies diminished for Spain.
Economic Degradation and its Causes
Spain’s economic situation deteriorated drastically due to various factors, including numerous wars across Europe, epidemics, climate change, reduced influx of precious metals from America, frequent internal conflicts, an excessive number of nobles and religious figures seeking livelihoods from their estates, and, of course, ineffective politicians, corruption, and mismanagement.
Population Decline and its Impact
The result was a dramatic population decline. In fifty years, the population decreased by 20%, with significant rural depopulation. The expulsion of the Moors in 1609 further exacerbated the situation, as they provided cheap labor. The decline of industry and commerce compounded the agricultural decline. Much of Spanish industry and commerce was controlled by foreigners, leading to criticism of the French and Genoese in contemporary writings that analyzed Spain’s economic problems and proposed solutions.
Social Structure and Marginalization
The crisis profoundly impacted the social structure. The bourgeoisie lost influence, while the nobility and clergy monopolized land, leading to a process of refeudalization. The aristocracy failed as a ruling class, and widespread misery among the lower classes led them to seek survival in large cities. Marginalization became a prominent theme in picaresque novels, satirical literature, and moral or reformist works. Pessimism and disappointment were characteristic of the Baroque era.
Neglect of Progress and the Seeds of Change
Spain neglected the emerging scientific and industrial revolution, as well as the development of secularism and rational thought. In the final decades, Spain struggled to break free from this monolithic ideology. The limited successes of these attempts in the eighteenth century fueled conflicts among enlightened thinkers eager to bring Spain up to date.