Spain’s 17th-Century Crisis: Population, Economy & Society
Spain in the 17th Century: Crisis and Change
After the 16th-century demographic crisis, Spain faced a severe crisis in the 17th century, with the population concentrated in rural areas. The causes of this population decline included:
- Plague epidemics (1597, 1647, 1676).
- Poor harvests.
- The expulsion of the Moors in 1609.
- Economic difficulties that led to emigration.
The Spanish population increased on the periphery. This demographic crisis triggered a major economic crisis. Exports to America demanded increased production, but agriculture was hindered by the privileges of the Council of the Mesta. The textile industry was also affected. Even with these challenges, trade experienced significant development, primarily due to imports and relations with America. There was also growth in the monetary sector, leading to price increases.
The crisis had several factors:
- Reduction of agricultural production and tax increases.
- Foreign textile competitiveness, which prevented exports.
- Decrease in precious metal imports.
- Crisis of the monarchy due to debt.
Catalonia and Valencia began to recover earlier, while Castile’s recovery did not start until around 1680.
Spanish Society in the 16th and 17th Centuries
Society was divided into strata:
1 – The Nobility: Exempt from taxes and at the top of the social hierarchy, it was divided into three tiers:
- High Nobility: Owners of large estates and a high standard of living, holding titles of nobility and close to the king.
- Middle Nobility: Knights and the urban oligarchy, enjoying a comfortable life.
- Lower Nobility: Often gentlemen (hidalgos), many of whom fell into poverty.
2 – The Clergy: Also a privileged class, possessing territories, with their standard of living dependent on their position:
- Higher Clergy: (Bishops, cardinals, etc.) Lived a life similar to the middle nobility.
- Lower Clergy: (Nuns, priests, etc.) Had a standard of living similar to the common people.
3 – The Common People: The non-privileged class, subject to taxes, was divided into:
- Bourgeois and Peasant Proprietors: Possessed wealth and power, similar to the middle nobility.
- Small Landowners, Laborers, Artisans: Lacked privileges and lived in poor conditions.
- Social Outcasts: (Bandits, rogues, etc.) Did not work.
In the 17th century, society was patriarchal. Girls were educated to be mothers, and boys to work outside the home. This mentality, along with the emphasis on titles of nobility, reflected a medieval mindset that contributed to Spain’s stagnation.
The Reigns of Philip III, Philip IV, and Charles II
Upon ascending the throne in 1598, Philip III established the role of the *valido* (a trusted advisor), choosing the Duke of Lerma. This policy focused on ending conflicts, although a bankruptcy occurred in 1607. A period known as the *Pax Hispanica* followed, with minimal conflict except for the expulsion of the Moors.
Philip IV ascended the throne at 16, relying on the Count-Duke of Olivares as his *valido*. Olivares renewed conflict with a financial reform plan, but it resulted in another bankruptcy in 1627. He created the Union of Arms in 1625, a standing army. Catalonia and Portugal opposed this, leading to war. Olivares eventually retired due to mounting problems.
With the arrival of Charles II, his mother, Mariana of Austria, took the regency. Later, the Second *Germania* occurred in 1693, and the Franche-Comté was lost. Finally, Charles II named Philip of Anjou as his heir.