Spanish Monarchy Transformation Under the Bourbons: Centralization and Reform
1. Historical Context: The War of Spanish Succession and the Rise of the Bourbons
In 1700, King Charles II, the last Habsburg ruler of Spain, died without an heir. This triggered the War of Spanish Succession (1700-1713), a complex international and internal conflict. While Charles II’s will named Philip of Anjou, a French Bourbon, as his successor, other European powers, including England, opposed this due to fears of increased French power. Within Spain, Castile largely supported Philip, while the Crown of Aragon backed Archduke Charles of Austria.
The war’s turning point came in 1711 with the death of Emperor Joseph I. Archduke Charles, now heir to the imperial throne, became less appealing to England as an ally. This shift facilitated peace negotiations, culminating in the Treaty of Utrecht (1713). Philip of Anjou became King Philip V of Spain, but the treaty had lasting consequences. Spain lost Gibraltar to Britain and its European possessions, while also granting England commercial advantages in America.
2. Centralization and Administrative Rationalization: The Nueva Planta Decrees
Philip V’s reign ushered in a new era of Bourbon rule and significant reforms aimed at strengthening royal power and centralizing administration. The goal was to establish absolutist monarchy, mirroring the French model under Louis XIV. This marked a shift from the previous Habsburg system, where Spain functioned as a collection of regions with their own laws and institutions. The Bourbons sought to create a unified Spanish state, with all power emanating from the king and applied uniformly across the land.
Centralization was achieved through the Nueva Planta decrees (1707-1716). These decrees abolished the privileges and rights of the Crown of Aragon, eliminated its political institutions, and imposed Castilian law. Another significant change, adopted from French custom, was the Salic Law (1713), which barred women from inheriting the throne.
Administrative Reforms
- Provincial Division: Spain was divided into provinces, each headed by a Captain-General representing the king’s absolute authority.
- Intendants: Royal officials, known as Intendants, were appointed to collect taxes.
- Corregidores: Municipal power was transferred to Corregidores, an institution adopted from Castile and appointed by the king.
- Secretariats: Secretariats, precursors to modern ministries, were established in the central government.
Financial Reforms
Financial reforms focused on increasing and streamlining state revenue. The objectives were to ensure all crown lands contributed to the monarchy’s expenses and to distribute the tax burden more equitably, overcoming resistance from privileged classes previously exempt from taxation. Zenón de Somodevilla, later Marquis de la Ensenada, played a key role, nearly doubling crown revenue in six years. He also proposed the Single Tax (Catastro of Ensenada) in 1749, but opposition from privileged sectors prevented its full implementation.
Military Reforms
The Marquis de la Ensenada also spearheaded military reforms, notably reorganizing the navy and constructing powerful warships, building on the work of José Patiño. This naval buildup was crucial to protect Spanish interests in America against British encroachment. Military reforms also focused on improving officer and soldier training, with the establishment of Military Academies and Midshipmen Academies.