Spain's Foreign Policy: 18th Century Alliances and America
Spain's Foreign Policy: 18th Century and America
Foreign Policy: America
In principle, Felipe V was guided by the recovery of territory lost in the Treaty of Utrecht. First, he focused on regaining Italian territories.
From 1728 until the king's death in 1746, there was a rapprochement with France, reflected in the "Treaty of Families" with the French Bourbons. This led to Philip V's sons gaining Italian thrones. Charles III became king of Naples and Sicily, and his brother Philip succeeded to the dukedom of Parma-Piacenza.
The first two family pacts, aimed at offsetting the power of Great Britain, did not yield significant results. In 1761, Spain signed the Third Family Compact, joining France in numerous wars against Britain. Additionally, Spain, alongside France, supported the pro-independence American Colonies against Great Britain. The British defeat enabled Spain to recover Minorca and Florida through the Treaty of Versailles (1783). Charles III's foreign policy also included agreements with Morocco for economic activity.
When relations with France were strong, Spain's international standing improved. However, the French Revolution threatened the Spanish crown, forcing Spain to decide whether to side with Britain or remain with a revolutionized France. Spain chose to stay with France, resulting in new clashes with England and terrible results for Spain, culminating in Napoleon's invasion and the start of the War of Independence.
Economic Growth in Spanish America
The 18th century saw high economic growth in the Spanish colonies in America. The population of the Spanish colonies increased by almost 50%. The economy, based mainly on agricultural production, grew enormously, leading to the growth of port cities like Havana and Buenos Aires, and the export of large quantities of tropical products. Mining also recovered.
Rise of Creole Discontent
This economic growth led to the emergence of a cultured and wealthy urban bourgeoisie. Suspicion arose among the Creoles because Spaniards occupied positions in state government, and they began to sympathize with the liberal ideas of the American Revolution.