Spanish Monarchy: Philip III, IV, and Charles II Reigns
Felipe III Domestic Policy
The government was in the hands of the valido. The King wished to enjoy life, so he delegated governmental power to a close confidant called the valido. Felipe's valido was the Duque de Lerma.
- The Moriscos were accused of being false converts and were expelled from Spain in 1609.
- This expulsion had a negative effect on craftwork and agriculture, leaving many fields deserted.
Foreign Policy under Lerma
The Duke of Lerma agreed to make peace with France, England, and the rebel provinces in the north of the Netherlands.
Felipe IV
His valido was the Count Duke of Olivares.
Domestic Policy
Castile bore the entire financial burden: army, ships to America, etc. Therefore, the Count Duke of Olivares tried to ensure that all kingdoms contributed money to the crown and the army. This led to rebellions in Cataluña and Portugal in 1640. He ceded Portuguese colonies (Indonesia) to the Low Countries, causing resentment and their separation from Spain.
Foreign Policy
Conflict with the Netherlands ensued, and Spain entered the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) to support the Habsburgs. This war was a conflict between the Habsburg dynasty and the German Protestant princes and their allies, with other European countries joining in.
The war concluded with the signing of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, resulting in:
- The Habsburgs lost their dominance in Europe.
- Spain had to recognize the independence of the northern provinces of the Netherlands.
In 1659, Felipe IV signed the Peace of the Pyrenees.
Carlos II
He left the government in the hands of various validos; one of them was his brother. He enacted several reforms that contributed to the recovery of Spain.
Foreign Policy
Wars with France continued. Spain had to recognize the independence of Portugal (1668). Carlos died without an heir, initiating the Succession War, as other European countries needed to agree on the new king. The candidates were Felipe V and Carlos of Austria. Felipe V was chosen and ascended the throne, becoming the first Spanish king from the Bourbon dynasty.