Spanish Dynastic Shift: Reforms and Conflicts
Dynastic Change and Internal Reforms
War of Succession and the Treaty of Utrecht
The death of Charles II without an heir triggered an international conflict. Two candidates vied for the throne: Archduke Charles and Philip of Anjou. Charles II’s will designated Philip of Anjou as his successor, leading to the War of Succession.
Austria, unwilling to concede the Spanish throne, allied with the British. They captured Gibraltar, and Archduke Charles gained control of the Crown of Aragon. French support aided in the recovery of the kingdoms of Aragon and Valencia. The death of his father led Archduke Charles to become emperor, opening negotiations for the Spanish Empire.
The Treaty of Utrecht concluded the war in Europe, recognizing Philip as king and marking a dynastic shift. The Netherlands and Italy were ceded to Austria. England retained Gibraltar and Minorca and secured the asiento, a monopoly on the slave trade in America.
Reign of Philip V
Philip V, initially in poor health, saw his court influenced by his second wife, Elizabeth Farnese. She pushed for an aggressive foreign policy aimed at reclaiming territories in Italy, which were eventually given to his eldest son, Charles.
Centralization: Decrees of New Plant
The administration adopted a French model, characterized by centralization. The Decrees of New Plant abolished the councils of Valencia, Aragon, and Catalonia, introducing uniform laws and borders across the country. The Basque provinces were able to retain their charters.
Administrative Reforms and Regalism
The government focused on asserting the crown’s authority over the Spanish Church, a policy known as regalism. Ministers sought to control religion, including the king’s right to select prelates, collect church revenues, limit the church’s jurisdiction, and reduce the power of religious orders.
Practice of Enlightened Despotism: Charles III
Charles III embodied enlightened despotism, embracing the concept of the absolute state as a ruler and benefactor of the people, driving reforms for progress, but without popular participation, adhering to the axiom: “Everything for the people, but without the people.” His reign saw significant changes in economic life, guided by enlightened ministers.
The Beginning of Charles III’s Reign and the Esquilache Riots
Charles III effectively led the country’s politics, appointing the Marquis of Squillace and other members of the lower nobility, such as Floridablanca, as secretaries. They implemented a reform plan to modernize the country. The liberalization of wheat prices aimed to stimulate competition, but a poor harvest backfired. Esquilache was blamed for the resulting hunger.
The Esquilache Riots erupted after a ban on certain clothing styles, intended to reduce crime. The riots were exploited to expel the Jesuits, who held significant power and directly obeyed the Pope, a situation deemed unacceptable. This policy was part of the king’s regalism.