Spanish Golden Age & War of Succession

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Cultural Splendor: The Spanish Golden Age

The 17th century, a period of artistic and cultural wealth, is known as the Spanish Golden Age. This period contrasts sharply with the serious political, economic, and demographic crises that plagued the country. From the late 16th to the mid-18th century, the Baroque cultural movement, originating in Italy and patronized by the absolute monarchy and the Papal State, flourished in Spain. Spanish Baroque exalted the monarchy and Catholic dogma while expressing the disillusionment, decadence, and pessimism of a crisis-stricken society. Unlike Europe, where rationalism and empiricism thrived, intellectual and scientific thought in Spain was limited by the Inquisition, conservative universities, the lack of a strong middle class, and economic and social backwardness. However, some thinkers, known as arbitristas, proposed measures to improve the economy and limit the power of the aristocracy and clergy, foreshadowing the Enlightenment. Despite these challenges, the 17th century produced remarkable artistic achievements. The picaresque novel captured the social realities of the time, and great authors like Miguel de Cervantes (Don Quixote, Exemplary Novels) emerged. Poetry flourished with Luis de Góngora and Francisco de Quevedo, while playwrights like Lope de Vega, Tirso de Molina, and Calderón de la Barca captivated audiences with their popular theatrical works.

The War of Succession and the Treaty of Utrecht

The death of the last Habsburg monarch, Charles II, in 1700 without an heir triggered the War of Succession. Charles II's will named Philip of Bourbon, grandson of Louis XIV of France, as his successor. However, Archduke Charles of Austria contested Philip V's claim, sparking an international conflict. England and Holland supported the Austrian candidate, while France allied with Philip V. Within Spain, Castile backed Philip, while Catalonia, Valencia, and Aragon supported the Archduke. The war unfolded both within and outside the Iberian Peninsula. In 1704, the British seized Gibraltar, and Archduke Charles, landing in Lisbon, occupied Madrid. However, Philip V's victory at Almansa gave him control of Aragon and Valencia. When Archduke Charles became Emperor of Austria, England and Holland withdrew their support. Catalonia, which had recognized the Archduke as king, fell to Philip V's forces in 1714. The Treaty of Utrecht (1713) recognized Philip V as King of Spain. However, Spain ceded territories in Europe to other powers, including the Spanish Netherlands, Naples, Sardinia, and Sicily, diminishing its international prestige. England benefited greatly, gaining Gibraltar and Minorca, along with trade privileges in the Indies.

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