Spanish Golden Age: Culture, Politics, and Society Under the Habsburgs
The Golden Age of Spanish Culture
Cultural Splendor: The Golden Age: During the sixteenth century, Spanish culture was of outstanding quality and wealth. In the seventeenth century, it became even more relevant, marking the Golden Age of Spanish culture, especially in Art and Literature. This period is traditionally known as the Golden Age. Literature continued the brilliant production of the previous century, with authors like Miguel de Cervantes and his masterpiece Don Quixote de La Mancha, as well as Luis de Góngora and Francisco de Quevedo. However, theater was the most popular literary genre, with figures like Lope de Vega, Tirso de Molina, and Calderón de la Barca.
Habsburg Political Model
The Political Model of the Habsburgs: The Joining of Kingdoms: The Habsburgs continued developing the political organization inherited from the Catholic Monarchs. They diminished the aristocracy’s power at court, centralizing political power in the hands of the monarchs. Castile became the center of the Spanish Monarchy, especially under Philip II. Viceroys were established in other territories (Aragon, Italy, and India), and governors in Flanders and Milan. The King was advised by a series of Councils with specific functions related to subjects and territories (Finance, War, Castile, the Indies). The territorial administration maintained the structure inherited from the Catholic Monarchs, based on corregimientos, while justice was administered by Audiencias and Chancillerías.
Economy and Society in 16th Century Spain
Economy and Society in Sixteenth-Century Spain: Regarding the economy, the agrarian situation was favorable, with increased cultivated land. However, the maintenance of archaic techniques resulted in low crop yields. Transhumant livestock acquired great importance due to the merino sheep, whose wool was exported to Europe. Trade was significant due to the increasing population and the American market, but it declined due to competition from foreign products. Spain had a bad habit of exporting raw materials and importing manufactured goods. In society, the nobility remained the highest class, with their manors and mayorazgos. The number of hidalgos and gentlemen increased significantly during this time. Second was the clergy, devoted to church functions. Commoners were not privileged and had to work.
Culture, Mentality, and the Inquisition
Culture and Mentality: The Inquisition: Humanism and Renaissance culture had a major focus in the peninsular territories, with humanists like Vives and Miguel Servet. However, the Counter-Reformation significantly marked the mentality and culture of Habsburg Spain. This led to increased differentiation between old and new Christians, with the latter being despised and discriminated against due to their Jewish or Muslim family origins. To preserve religious purity, the Inquisition, an institution created during the time of the Catholic Monarchs, was charged with fighting heresies, witchcraft, and crimes against the faith, as well as pursuing false converts. The Inquisition used methods such as autos de fe, which were exemplary public events.