The Enlightenment and Bourbon Reforms in 18th-Century Spain
The Enlightenment in 18th-Century Spain
The Enlightenment in Spain falls within the general framework of the European Enlightenment, characterized by a critical spirit, faith in reason, and confidence in science and education. French and Italian influences were prominent among a minority formed by nobles, officials, burghers, and clergy. This period saw a focus on reform and the reactivation of the economy, with a particular concern for the useful sciences and improving the education system. There was moderate criticism of some aspects of social reality in the country and an interest in new liberal political ideas, although, for the most part, revolutionary approaches were not supported. Their reformist zeal led them into conflict with the Church and most of the aristocracy. Despite the enlightened toil, most of the country remained faithful to traditional values.
We can distinguish several stages:
- In the first half of the century, Feijoo stood out, whose work focused on the dissemination of Newtonian science and criticism of traditional prejudices and superstitions (Teatro Crítico, 1726), along with Mayans. During this period, major academies were created as instruments for spreading the Enlightenment. The Royal Academy of Language, Medicine, History, and Fine Arts of San Fernando were established, along with the Botanical Garden and Natural History Office.
- After the reform momentum of the reign of Fernando VI, the Enlightenment reached its apogee in the reign of Charles III. The ministers of this monarch, renewed in spirit, tried to raise the economic and cultural standing of the country.
Campomanes, Jovellanos, Capmany, and Cabarrus showed the assimilation of economic theories of physiocracy and economic liberalism. The result of this interest in economic and social affairs was the establishment of the Royal Economic Societies of Friends of the Country, concerned about the dissemination of “useful sciences” and economic development.
The interest in education and scientific progress materialized in the reform of Universities and Colleges. The development of experimental science was also important, as was didactic literature and criticism. Feijoo, Jovellanos, Cadalso, and Moratín, with his celebrated El sí de las niñas, were prominent figures. The press and literary and scientific magazines also developed during this time.
Bourbon Reforms and Centralization in 18th-Century Spain
The arrival of the new Bourbon dynasty led to important changes in the structure of the state. These changes were introduced mainly during the reign of Philip V (1700-1746) and were centralizing measures, aiming to create a more effective state. In this sense, important developments were adopted:
- Decree of Nueva Planta (1707 Aragon and Valencia, 1715 Mallorca, 1716 Catalonia): Abolition of the privileges and institutions specific to the kingdoms of the Crown of Aragon. The charters of the Basque provinces and Navarre remained, as they supported Philip V during the War of Succession.
- New model of territorial administration, based on the following structure: division of territory into provinces, replacement of Viceroys by Captain Generals as political governors of the provinces, the Royal Courts maintained judicial responsibilities, and, following the French model, the creation of the figure of the mayors, officials in charge of economic issues. Finally, the Councils retained the positions of Mayor and Chief Magistrate.
The Bourbons also reformed the central government to consolidate the establishment of a full absolute monarchy. All Councils were abolished, except the Council of Castile, which became the major advisory body to the king. The Secretariats of State were created, the forerunners of modern ministries. In 1787, the Supreme Council of State was established, a precursor to the Council of Ministers.
The new dynasty intensified regalist policies, seeking the supremacy of the Crown over the Church. The two main measures were the establishment of greater control over the Inquisition and, above all, the expulsion of the Jesuits, adopted by Carlos III in 1767.
Attempts to reform the tax system were not very effective. Efforts were made to unify and rationalize the tax system. To that end, the Cadastre of Ensenada was carried out in 1749 in Castile, creating a census of properties. Monetary unification was also sought.