Spain in the 18th Century: The Bourbon Dynasty

Spain in the 18th Century: The Bourbons

The War of the Spanish Succession was the first major European conflict of the 18th century. It began when Carlos II died in 1700 without an heir, leaving Europe's two leading dynasties to fight over the Spanish throne.

The Contending Dynasties

• Philip of Anjou (House of Bourbon): Grandson of the French king, Louis XIV. Supported by France and the Crown of Castilla.
• Archduke Charles (House of Hapsburg): Austrian. Supported by Austria, Great Britain, the United Provinces, Prussia, most German states, Portugal, Savoy, and the Crown of Aragón.

The Conflict and Resolution

Initially, supporters of Archduke Charles aimed to prevent a union of France and Spain. However, when he was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 1711, they perceived a new threat in a potential union of Spain and Austria. The conflict concluded with the Treaties of Utrecht (1713) and Rastatt (1714), resulting in Philip of Anjou becoming Felipe V, the first Bourbon King of Spain.

Spain lost significant territory: the Spanish Netherlands, the Kingdom of Naples, Sardinia, and much of the Duchy of Milan went to Austria. Sicily went to Savoy, while Great Britain retained Menorca and Gibraltar. Felipe V subsequently began centralizing power and restructuring the Spanish Empire.

The Reign of Carlos III

Following the death of Fernando VI in 1759, his half-brother Carlos III ascended to the throne. He participated in the Seven Years' War and the American War of Independence, successfully recovering Menorca.

Modernization and Reform

Carlos III initiated a project of modernization, including:

• Tax, economic, educational, and religious reforms.
• Expulsion of the Jesuits and strengthening royal authority over the clergy.
• Reorganization of the army and liberalization of trade with the Americas.
• Creation of the National Bank of San Carlos.
• Infrastructure investments, such as the Imperial Canal and a centralized road network.

Inspired by Enlightenment thinkers like Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, he boosted agricultural production, improved irrigation, and limited the power of the Mesta, the powerful sheep-farming association in the Crown of Castilla.

The Best Mayor of Madrid

In Madrid, Carlos III earned the title of the 'best mayor of Madrid' for his urban improvements, including:

• Sewerage systems, streetlighting, and waste collection.
• Construction of public hospitals and monuments like the Puerta de Alcalá.
• Expansion of the city.

Upon his death in 1788, he was succeeded by his son, Carlos IV, who halted the reform process due to his fear of the French Revolution.