The Bourbon Dynasty and 18th Century Spanish Reforms

The War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714)

The War of the Spanish Succession was fought between a coalition led by the Holy Roman Empire, Great Britain, the Dutch Republic, Portugal, and the Duchy of Savoy, against the Kingdoms of France and Spain and the Electorate of Bavaria.

The conflict arose after the last Spanish Habsburg King, Charles II of Spain, died without issue, leading to a dispute over the succession between the Bourbon candidate, Philip V, and the Austrian Habsburg Archduke Charles.

The war was concluded by the treaties of Utrecht (1713) and Rastatt (1714). As a result, Bourbon Philip V was recognized as King of Spain, but he was forced to renounce any claim to the French throne and to cede much of the European Spanish Crown's possessions.

• The Austrians gained most of the Spanish territories in Italy and the Netherlands.
• France's hegemony over continental Europe was ended.

Spanish Society and Demographics in the 18th Century

During this period, Spain had a population estimated between 8 and 12 million inhabitants. There was a noticeable demographic shift, with inland Spain losing population while coastal areas grew.

• Approximately 90% of the population consisted of peasants, leading to widespread poverty and a large number of beggars.
• The Clergy owned about 25% of all lands.
• The Nobility remained the primary landowners.

The Bourbon Monarchs and Enlightenment Reforms

Philip V (1700–1746): Establishing Bourbon Rule

Philip V, often described as sad and depressive, ruled as an absolute monarch, though his reign was influenced by Enlightenment ideas.

Key Policies of Philip V

• Nueva Planta Decrees: These decrees ended the political autonomy of the kingdoms that had made up the Crown of Aragon (which had supported the Archduke Charles during the war). Conversely, the Kingdom of Navarre and the Basque Provinces, having supported Philip V, retained their traditional institutions and laws.
• Foreign Policy: Philip V signed the first Two Family Pacts with France, primarily directed against Great Britain.
• Territorial Recovery: Spain reconquered some lost Italian possessions in the 18th century, placing Bourbon princes on the thrones of Parma, Naples, and Sicily. These territories, however, were not reincorporated into the Spanish Crown.

Ferdinand VI (1746–1759): Naval Strength and Administration

Ferdinand VI was known for being educated and clever. His reign focused on internal stability and administrative improvements.

• He significantly strengthened the Spanish navy.
• He ordered the creation of the famous Catastro (land registry), an important administrative tool.

Charles III (1759–1788): The Enlightened Reformer

Charles III, a former King of Naples and Sicily, is often remembered as "the best mayor of Madrid" due to his extensive urban and administrative reforms.

Foreign Policy under Charles III

• Third Family Pact: Signed with France. As a result of the Seven Years’ War, Spain initially lost Florida. As compensation, France ceded Louisiana to Spain.
• American Revolutionary War: France and Spain supported the Americans against the British, leading to Spain recovering Florida and Menorca.

Key Bourbon Reforms under Charles III

Charles III implemented numerous reforms aimed at modernizing the economy and infrastructure:

• Colonization of Sierra Morena.
• Establishment of Royal Manufactures (producing silk, crystal, tapestries, and china) and cotton mills.
• Implementation of free trade among Spanish and American ports.
• Construction of new roads, bridges, and canals.
• Banning the expulsion of tenants from the land.
• Promotion of new clothing styles (often met with resistance).
• The controversial Expulsion of the Jesuits (1767).

Charles IV (1788–1808): Stagnation and Revolution

Charles IV showed little interest in governance, relying heavily on his Prime Minister, Manuel Godoy. Spain generally followed French foreign policy during this period.

Reforms initiated by his predecessors were largely stopped due to the fear generated by the French Revolution. The clergy remained a very powerful force in Spanish society.