Bourbon Rule: Spain Regains Its Strength 1700-1800
What achievements were achieved during Spain’s Bourbon rule? Learn how Spain flourished under a French governing system.
Spain’s Bourbon Rule lasted for almost a century, 1700-1788. During its rule Spain regained strength economically, politically, culturally and militarily following the collapse of its empire. Its government became more stabilize and the economy grew. Empires in Europe and overseas were heavily defended militarily. Additionally, its territorial losses were prevented. In Italy, its Spanish influence was restored. Under Bourbon rule the church and nobility lost their great influence on government. Under Bourbon rule a French system of government was implemented with the intention of regaining some of Spain’s former greatness.
Under Bourbon rule taxes were lowered and improvement on balancing the budget was made. Trade and commercial law incited industrial and agricultural growth. Spain’s navy was rebuilt and the administration branch of the American colonies was reorganized. This reorganization resulted in the increased volume of trade between Spain and the American colonies.
Internationally, the Bourbon Kings were in alliance with France but hostile to Great Britain. As an ally to France, they fought in the War of the Polish Succession (1733-1735), the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), the Seven Years’ War and the American Revolution in 1779. As a result of these wars, the American Revolution in particular, Spain ruled much of the northern American continent by way of the Louisiana Purchase, a gift from France for their allegiance, and Florida.
Intellectually, Spain entered an age of Enlightenment. The Spanish faith in the power of human reason along with a deep respect for humanity led Spain into an Age of Enlightenment. It embarked on a journey of scientific learning resulting in the formation of scientific and medical societies. New museums and schools were built. Renowned opera singers and classical composers, painters and even women admittance into the Academy of Fine Arts, were recognized. Rational economic organization produced modern ideas about urban planning. The concept of free markets encouraged foreign trade. The people’s belief in elections, parliamentary government and popular sovereignty were deepened.
The French Revolution broke out in 1789 until 1799. During this ten year period, Spain became fearful the revolutionary idea would spread to its’ country. As a consequence, the Bourbon rule reintroduced the Inquisition and repressed its policies on the planning of domestic reform. Internal bickering of principalities and civilian uprising were the consequences of the reinstatement of the Inquisition. These factors set Spain into a state of warfare.
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