18th Century Spanish America and Bourbon Absolutism

Creole Society and Economic Growth

In the eighteenth century, Spanish America enjoyed a period of economic growth. Trade gained significant momentum, driven by the development of mining and agricultural production. The population increased by almost 50%, most of whom were Indians and mestizos, while a small percentage were black.

The heyday of Spanish America led to a rich urban bourgeoisie composed mainly of landowners and Creoles. The latter term is used to refer to people born of an Indian father and European mother (or vice versa) and also to those of European descent born in the Americas. They controlled trade and farming, giving them great economic power, yet they lacked political influence. They did not participate in government; those positions were held exclusively by Peninsulars (people from the Spanish peninsula), usually belonging to the nobility on both the paternal and maternal sides. This implied that Creoles had no control over taxes or American resources.

At the end of the century, a liberal ideology developed in favor of independence, following the example of the United States in 1776. This was a conflict in which Spain supported the American colonies based on the Family Pacts linking Spain with the French monarchy, who were willing at all times to harm British interests.

Economic Societies of Friends of the Country

These were institutions in which members discussed the economic and social situation of their territories. They promoted science and the arts and introduced technical advances. They collected projects, proposals, and reforms. These societies were usually composed of a select group of people (nobility, bourgeoisie, and some clergy), typically following an Enlightenment ideology.

There were areas where several existed within the same province, as was the case in Cadiz. They enjoyed the protection of the monarch and encouraged the modernization of cities. These companies were charged with:

• Promoting agriculture, commerce, and industry.
• Translating and publishing foreign works.

The first to be established was the Bascongada Society of Friends of the Country, founded by the Earl of Peñaflorida in 1765. Eventually, 63 Economic Societies of Friends of the Country were established.

The Concept of Absolutism

Absolutism is a form of government in which the king concentrated all areas of power in his hands, even placing himself above the Church. This meant that the king was the law and held power over everything. It is considered an evolution of the authoritarian monarchy from the start of the Modern Age. In Spain, it is associated with the new Bourbon dynasty, which also ruled in the same way in France; Philip V is considered its most characteristic example.