EL REFORMISMO BORBÓNICO (1700-1788) | Historia de España 🇪🇸

History of the Spanish Monarchy

Introduction to the Medieval Context

• The speaker, Professor José Antonio Lucero, introduces the complex history of medieval Iberian kingdoms, emphasizing their significance in shaping modern Spain.

• He notes that despite the chaotic nature of these kingdoms (Castile, Aragon, Granada), they laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Spain.

The War of Spanish Succession

• The death of King Carlos II without an heir led to a succession crisis and ultimately a war involving major European powers.

• The conflict was sparked by competing claims from Felipe de Anjou and Archduke Carlos of Habsburg, with implications for international balance.

Formation of Alliances

• In 1701, a Grand Alliance was formed between England and other nations to counteract French hegemony represented by Felipe de Anjou.

• As the war progressed across various fronts (Iberia, America, Flanders), political dynamics shifted significantly when Joseph I of Austria died in 1711.

Treaty Outcomes and Territorial Changes

• England switched sides during the war; treaties like Utrecht (1713) resulted in significant territorial losses for Spain but established Felipe V as king.

• These treaties marked Britain's rise as a naval power while igniting civil strife within Spain over centralist versus regional governance models.

Centralization under Felipe V

• Felipe V's reign saw the implementation of Bourbon centralism through reforms aimed at consolidating power and abolishing regional privileges.

• Key military victories (e.g., Battle of Almansa in 1707) solidified his rule; Barcelona fell in 1714 followed by Mallorca in 1715.

Decrees of Nueva Planta

• The Decrees abolished local laws and customs in favor of a unified legal system across Spain, establishing Castilian as the official language for legal matters.

• Political reforms included creating unified Cortes and eliminating traditional councils like that of Aragon.

Historical Significance

• These changes are pivotal as they erased many regional identities and rights which resonate with contemporary nationalist movements within Spain.

Reforms under Fernando VI

• Fernando VI continued his father's legacy but faced financial challenges due to previous debts; he initiated several enlightened reforms during his reign starting in 1746.

• Notable reforms included establishing a property registry (catastro), enhancing tax collection efficiency, and modernizing naval capabilities through new shipyards.

Despotismo Ilustrado en España

Contexto Histórico

• El despotismo ilustrado surge durante el reinado de Carlos III en España, caracterizado por un intento de implementar reformas ilustradas bajo un sistema absolutista.

• Se resume con la frase "todo para el pueblo, pero sin el pueblo", reflejando la intención de mejorar la sociedad sin incluir a sus representantes.

Influencias y Reformas

• Carlos III, influenciado por ideas ilustradas adquiridas en Nápoles, trajo a políticos reformistas italianos como Grimaldi y Esquilache a su gobierno.

• Las reformas enfrentaron resistencia, culminando en el Motín de Esquilache, que rechazó las políticas italianas y generó desconfianza hacia la nobleza y la iglesia.

Medidas Implementadas

• Se establecieron nuevas instituciones educativas como los Reales Estudios de San Isidro; se liberaron precios del grano y se redujeron privilegios gremiales.

• En comercio, se suprimieron aduanas interiores y se liberalizó el comercio colonial, mejorando infraestructuras como los canales de Castilla e Imperial de Aragón.

Economía y Sociedad del Siglo XVIII

Demografía y Agricultura

• Aumento poblacional debido a una reducción en mortalidad por mejor alimentación; no obstante, España no creció tanto demográficamente como otros países.

• Problemas agrícolas persistentes: mala calidad de cosechas y condiciones climáticas adversas. Intentos de reforma agraria fueron insuficientes.

Industria y Comercio

• Políticas reformistas llevaron al aumento de talleres manufacturados privados; notable crecimiento en Cataluña.

• Expansión del comercio interior y exterior gracias a la abolición de aduanas interiores; fundación de compañías comerciales importantes.

Reformas Administrativas en América Española

Estructura Administrativa

• Creación de nuevos virreinatos (Nueva Granada 1717, Río de la Plata 1778), fortaleciendo control militar con nuevas audiencias e intendentes.

Actividades Económicas

• La minería (especialmente plata), agricultura (azúcar, tabaco), y explotación esclavista impulsaron la economía criolla pero aumentaron desigualdades sociales.

Conflictos Sociales