Spanish Succession War & Bourbon Reforms: 18th Century Transformation

The War of Spanish Succession and the Treaty of Utrecht

Upon the death of Charles II without issue, two primary candidates emerged for the Spanish Crown: Archduke Charles of Austria and Philip of Anjou. Philip of Anjou was declared heir in 1700, with the crucial condition of maintaining Spain's territorial integrity.

European countries feared that an alliance between France and Spain, both governed by the same family, would create a dominant power in Europe. Consequently, the Grand Alliance of The Hague was formed, and European powers declared war on France in 1702, initiating the War of Spanish Succession.

Within the Hispanic Monarchy, the conflict also became a civil war:

• Castile supported Philip of Anjou, favoring a centralized state.
• Aragon supported Archduke Charles, advocating for the preservation of regional privileges.

In the Battle of Almansa (1707), Philip of Anjou's troops secured a decisive victory. However, as Archduke Charles became Emperor of Germany, European powers grew concerned about the potential for Austrian superiority, reminiscent of Charles I's era, leading them to withdraw their support for him.

The war concluded with the Peace of Utrecht (1713) and the subsequent agreements of Rastatt (1714). Utrecht established a new balance of power in Europe, with England emerging as a key arbitrator. Spain suffered significant territorial losses:

• Possessions in Flanders and Italy were ceded to Austria.
• Gibraltar and Menorca, along with major commercial advantages in America, were granted to England.

Bourbon Reforms: Internal Transformation of Spain

The Bourbon monarchs, following the dynastic change, focused intensely on domestic policy renewal and the restoration of Spain's lost prestige.

The Nueva Planta Decrees

The Nueva Planta Decrees articulated a new internal organization for Spain. These decrees:

• Abolished the traditional privileges of the territories defeated in the War of Succession: Aragon, Valencia, Mallorca, and Catalonia.
• Established a strongly centralized absolute monarchy, effectively imposing the French administrative system across Spanish territory.

State Administration and Legislative Changes

To manage the state, a new system was implemented:

• Secretarías (Secretariats) were established, responsible for specific government affairs. Their collective body formed the Gabinete (Cabinet).
• Legislative authority shifted to institutions directly linked to the King, significantly suppressing the power of the traditional Councils and Courts.

Territorial and Judicial Reorganization

Spain underwent a comprehensive territorial and judicial reorganization:

• The country was divided into provinces, each headed by a Captain General.
• Audiencias (High Courts) were responsible for judicial affairs within these provinces.
• The local administrative system adopted the Castilian model, featuring corregidores (magistrates).

Economic and Religious Reforms

Further reforms aimed at unifying and strengthening the state:

• Customs barriers between Aragon and Castile were abolished.
• The use of Castilian was imposed throughout the entire state.
• Royal authority was asserted over religious affairs, a policy known as regalismo.
• A significant reform of the Treasury was undertaken, involving the imposition of unique contributions and the planning of a new system for budgets and expenditures.