1 A new political configuration in Spain The new dynasty established a new form of government. It was based on absolutism, centralisation and uniform administration of the countr y, following the French model . Taking advantage of the fact that the Corona de Aragón had opposed Felipe V in the war, (16) he enacted the Nueva Planta decrees between 1707 and 1716. These decrees abolished the charters and institutions belonging to those territories. Castilian institutions were imposed throughout the whole countr y. The old councils (consejos) were replaced by secretaries of state (secretarías de despacho) headed by a secretar y appointed by the king. They were similar to today's ministries. There were reforms in the army and the navy. A professional army was created and measures were taken to improve the navy war f leet. Shipyards, arsenals and warships were built. Borbón foreign policy Felipe V (1700-1746) wanted to recover the Italian territories lost in the Treaty of Utrecht for his dynasty. To do this, he made alliances with the French Borbones through Family Pacts (Pactos de Familia), and participated in several wars, such as the War of the Polish Succession. Although Spain did not recover its territories, Felipe V managed to install his sons as kings of Naples-Sicily, and of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza. Fernando VI (1746-1759), maintained a policy of neutrality and Spain did not participate in any wars during his reign. He focused on securing the American colonies. Carlos III (1759-1788) abandoned neutrality and allied himself with France to oppose British expansionism in America. 16. The Family of Felipe V, painted in 1743 by Louis-Michel van Loo. (A) Felipe V and Queen Isabel de Farnesio. (B) The Prince of Asturias, the future King Fernando VI, and his wife Bárbara de Braganza. (C ) Carlos III, then king of Naples, and his wife María Amalia de Sajonia. 17. Timeline of the Spanish Borbones in the 18th century Analyse the War of Succession. Why did it begin? Who fought? Why did the appointment of Carlos as emperor break the alliance between Austria, Great Britain and Portugal? List the consequences of the Treaty of Utrecht. Define the features of the policy Felipe V implemented in Spain. Give examples of the measures taken. Think. Is Spain a centralised state today? K E Y Q U E S T I O N S WORK WITH THE IMAGE Look at the timeline. Which monarchs ruled in Spain in the 18th century? Name the important events and say during whose reign they took place. A B C 1700 1733 First Family Pact 1766 Esquilache Riots 1746 1714 Treaty of Utrecht 1701 The War of Succession begins 1759 1788 1808 The War of Independence begins FELIPE V FERNANDO VI CARLOS III CARLOS IV 1743 Second Family Pact 1761 Third Family Pact 23
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