Spanish Diplomatic Relations in 18th-Century Europe

Spanish Foreign Policy in the 18th Century

The evolution of Spanish foreign policy in Europe during the 18th century was profoundly shaped by the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), which resulted in significant territorial losses for Spain in Europe. Following this, the fundamental alliance shifted to Spain-France, formalized through the Family Compacts – treaties of mutual support. England, the greatest naval power, emerged as the primary adversary. Spain's foreign policy became less focused on Austria after these territorial adjustments.

Philip V: Recovery and Italian Ambitions

King Philip V actively sought to recover lost territories, specifically Minorca and Gibraltar. He also pursued a strategy to conquer territories in Italy, aiming to establish his children as rulers there. A notable example is Naples, where the future King Charles III of Spain would later reign.

Ferdinand VI: A Period of Lesser Significance

During the reign of Ferdinand VI, Spanish foreign policy was of comparatively lesser significance, marked by a period of neutrality.

Charles III: Renewed Rivalry and Conflicts

With the ascension of Charles III, foreign rivalry was reactivated. This period saw the signing of another Family Compact and renewed clashes with England.

• Attempts to Recover Gibraltar and Minorca: Spain made efforts to regain both Gibraltar and Minorca, succeeding only in the recovery of the latter.
• Siege of Gibraltar: A notable four-year siege of Gibraltar was undertaken, though ultimately unsuccessful.
• American War of Independence: Spain and France collaborated in the American War of Independence, which concluded with an English defeat. In this conflict, Spain regained Minorca and acquired territories in Louisiana.

Charles IV: French Revolution and Napoleonic Era

The reign of Charles IV was dramatically impacted by the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, necessitating a significant shift in Spanish politics following the execution of Louis XVI.

• Coalition Against France: In 1793, a coalition of European monarchs declared war on France.
• Alliance with France: Spain was the first country to sign a peace treaty with France (1795) and subsequently formed an alliance to fight England by signing the Treaty of San Ildefonso.

Major Conflicts During Charles IV's Reign:

• War of the Oranges: A conflict with Portugal.
• Battle of Trafalgar (October 21, 1805): A decisive naval clash against England, where British forces led by Nelson earned a resounding victory, destroying the combined Spanish and French fleets.

Following this devastating defeat, Napoleon implemented the Continental Blockade, closing all European ports to English trade. However, Portugal, Russia, and Spain did not cooperate with this blockade. Spain's trade with its American colonies continued, with goods often finding their way to England.

In 1807, France and Charles IV's Prime Minister, Manuel Godoy, signed the Treaty of Fontainebleau. This treaty permitted the passage of French troops through Spanish territory to invade Portugal, prompting the Portuguese royal court to flee to Brazil.