Bourbon Reforms: Centralizing the Spanish Monarchy (Felipe V)
The Bourbon Dynasty and Centralization
The War of the Spanish Succession brought a clear result for the Spanish monarchy: the change of dynasty. The death of Charles II marked the end of the last of the Spanish Habsburgs, and he was succeeded on the throne by Felipe V, initiating the House of Bourbon. This marked the beginning of French political influence over Spain, manifested in a series of administrative changes that attempted to establish the French political model: a strong, centralized, and unified monarchy.
The Decrees of Nueva Planta
The most important change was achieved with the Decrees of Nueva Planta: the legal and institutional unification of all the kingdoms of the monarchy. The privileges and private institutions of the territories of the Crown of Aragon were abolished (1707, 1715, and 1716) under the pretext that these territories had provided support to the opposing claimant during the War of the Spanish Succession. The Basque Country and Navarre, which remained faithful to Philip V, retained their traditional institutions.
Thereafter, with the exception of Navarre, Courts were established only for the whole kingdom, aiming for a clear objective: Centralization.
Administrative and Institutional Changes
Among the political reforms, the appearance of the Secretariats of State and Office (State, War, Navy, Treasury, Justice, and the Indies) stands out. In front of them were the Secretaries, ancestors of today's ministers. The old Councils declined, and only the Council of Castile remained as an advisory body.
At the end of the century (1787), the Supreme Council of State was established, the predecessor of the Council of Ministers.
Territorial Administration
In territorial administration, Captain Generals replaced the Viceroys. New administrative divisions, similar to current provinces, were introduced, led by Intendants (referred to in the original text as 'mayors' acting as delegates) who acted as government delegates with very broad authority.
In the municipalities, the Councils saw the introduction of new offices, such as the Trustee Attorney (Personero) and Deputy Mayors (District Level), charged with representing the citizens and elected by them.
Financial and Military Reforms
Attempts were made to reform the finance system, seeking to unify and rationalize the tax system (e.g., the Cadastre of Ensenada, 1749, in the Crown of Castile) and striving for monetary union, establishing the Real de a dos.
Finally, the transformation of the Army (establishing a standing army and military service) and the imposition of royal authority in religious matters (Regalism) are highlighted. All these reforms were intended to achieve greater control by the monarchy.