Spain in the 17th Century: From Philip IV to Charles II

Philip IV's Reign

Philip IV was crowned king in 1621. He left his government responsibilities in the hands of the Count-Duke of Olivares.

Foreign Policy

Foreign policy differed from the previous one. In 1621, when the Truce with the United Provinces ended, Philip resumed the war against the Flemish rebels. Philip was also the leader of the Catholic faction in the Thirty Years' War. Spanish victories culminated in the Battle of Nördlingen (1634), where German and Swedish Protestants were defeated.

Domestic Policy

Olivares changed domestic policy. His objectives were:

• To share military expenses among all the territories of the Hispanic Monarchy.
• To increase the king's power by reducing the autonomy of the territories.

These reforms met with strong opposition.

Thirty Years' War

The Thirty Years' War was a religious and political conflict that affected much of Europe between 1618 and 1648. It began when Bohemian Protestants rebelled against their king, Ferdinand II, the Holy Roman Emperor. Ferdinand asked for help, and the revolt was suppressed. The other Protestant regions of the Empire supported the Bohemian rebels, and the war continued.

The End of the Thirty Years' War

France allied itself with the Protestants in 1635. Spanish troops were unable to contend with so many enemies and suffered defeats. In 1648, the Treaty of Westphalia was signed, bringing an end to the Thirty Years' War. This treaty recognized the independence of the United Provinces and signified the loss of Spanish supremacy.

The Revolts of Catalonia and Portugal

The Count-Duke of Olivares' centralist policy caused various revolts in the Hispanic Monarchy. The most serious took place in Catalonia and Portugal. The rebellion in Catalonia was suppressed in 1652, but the Portuguese expelled Philip IV's representatives and declared their independence.

The Reign of Charles II

Charles II inherited the throne in 1665 when he was four years old. His mother, Marianna of Austria, ruled as regent until 1675, when the king came of age.

However, the king was mentally and physically ill and could not rule, so his mother and different royal favorites ran the government.

Charles II died in 1700. This marked the end of the Spanish branch of the House of Austria, which had reigned in Spain for almost 200 years. The Spanish throne was occupied by a new dynasty, the House of Bourbon, which was of French origin.

The Crisis of the 17th Century

In the 17th century, the population declined due to several factors:

• Thousands of people died as a result of bad harvests.
• The expulsion of the Moriscos.
• Deaths caused by wars.
• Emigration to America.

Economic Recession

• Agriculture suffered a severe crisis.
• Craftsmanship declined.
• Trade declined.
• The declaration of bankruptcy.

An Impoverished, Unproductive Society

The values of European society encouraged an inactive life. The nobles lived off rents.

The Situation in Europe: French Supremacy

Louis XIV inherited the throne of France in 1643. After the Treaty of Westphalia of 1648, France became the most powerful country in Europe. Louis XIV's foreign policy aimed to increase France's power in two ways:

• Extending its frontiers.
• Creating a colonial empire.

The reign of Louis XIV in the 17th century was the clearest example of an absolute monarchy. The king increased his power at the expense of the nobles, the Church, and the Parliament.

England and the United Provinces

The United Provinces controlled trade. They formed large trading companies. England and the United Provinces were parliamentary states. The United Provinces were a republic consisting of seven provinces. In England, there were two revolutions. The bourgeoisie was very important in both.

Key Terms and Events

• Valido: A kind of prime minister who took power.
• Defenestration of Prague: The representatives of the king were thrown out of a window.

Timeline

• 1516: Charles V succeeded to the Spanish throne.
• 1520: Revolt of the Comuneros.
• 1547: Battle of Mühlberg.
• 1556: Philip II's empire.
• 1559: Battle of Saint-Quentin.
• 1566: Revolt of the Low Countries.
• 1571: Battle of Lepanto.
• 1588: The Invincible Armada was defeated.
• 1598: Reign of Philip III.
• 1604: Peace with England.
• 1609: Expulsion of the Moriscos.
• 1621: Reign of Philip IV, war with the United Provinces.
• 1640: Rebellions of Catalonia and Portugal.
• 1648: Peace of Westphalia.
• 1668: Recognition of Portuguese independence.
• 1700: Charles II names Philip of Anjou his heir.