The document summarizes Spain's history from the 17th to 18th centuries, beginning with the decline of the Spanish Empire under the Habsburg dynasty due to expensive wars, plagues, social problems, and overdependence on American gold and silver. It then discusses the transition to the Bourbon dynasty after the War of Spanish Succession, noting territorial losses. Under the Bourbons, the monarchy became an absolute system. The Enlightenment brought cultural changes during this period, while King Charles III modernized Spain through infrastructure projects and economic reforms.

1. SPAIN IN THE 17TH-18TH
CENTURY
HABSBURG
DYNASTY
BOURBON
DYNASTY

2. L.O: AT THE END OF THIS UNIT…
• You should know the definition of key words
and concepts in bold.
• You should know causes and consequences of
the decline of the Spanish Empire in the 17th
century and the main events in the 18th c.
• You should distinguish characters between
Habsbourg and Bourbon dynasty.
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3. SPAIN IN THE 17TH CENTURY
• The Spanish Empire started a gradual economic
decline The Habsburg Dynasty.
• Three main reasons:
1. Expensive wars.
2. Plagues and social problems.
3. Dependence on gold and silver from
America.
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4. WARS in the 17th centuRy
• Spain was ruled by 3 Habsburg Kings: Felipe III,
Felipe IV and Carlos II.
• They lost territories in Europe. (Portugal)
• There were many wars over territory and
religion. The Thirty years’ war.
• They delegated responsabilities to their
válidos. Ex: Duque de Lerma or Conde-Duque
de Olivares.
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5. PLAGueS AnD SOciAL PROBLeMS
REDUCTION OF POPULATION:
• Many people died in wars. Famine, caused by
poor harvests and plagues, reduced the
population.
• Others emigrated to America to find a better
life.
• Moriscos were expelled from Spain because
of their power: successful merchants and
shopkeepers.
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6. GOLD AnD SiLVeR FROM AMeRicA
• The kings paid a lot of money to their soldiers.
• It took a big part of gold and silver from
America.
• In addition pirates, supported by England and
France, attacked Spanish ships to steal their
goods.
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7. From the habsburg to the
bourbon dYnastY.
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• Carlos II was the last of the Hasburg dynasty.
• He died in 1700 without an heir.
• Then, two royal families claimed the Spanish
throne:
• The Austrian Habsburg and the French
Bourbon
the spanish War oF
succession
(1700-1714)

8. FeLipe V
• The war ending with the Treaty of Utrech.
• The Bourbon dynasty started with Felipe V
replacing the Habsburg one.
• In exchage, Spain lost some of its territories:
• Netherlands and Italy to Austria
and
• Gibraltar and Menorca to the British.
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9. FeLipe V’s reign
• He established a new form of government
called: absolute monarchy unlimited
power for the monarch.
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10. ENLIGHTENMENT
• The Enlightenment was a period that brought
important cultural changes in Europe during
the 18th century.
• The centre in the Enlightenment was a belief
in human reason over religion or authority.
• People wanted to improve their lives through
education or involving in politics.
• In Spain, the Enlightenment coincided with
Felipe V, Fernando VI , Carlos III and Carlos IV.
• https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Fernando_VI_de_Espa%C3%B1a
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11. CARLOS III’S REIGN
• Carlos III modernized Spain. He created
hospitals, museums and botanical gardens.
• Cities became more hygienic and safer with
water and sewage systems and street
lightings and pavements.
• Streets became wider and he ordered to build
many fountains and statues.
• Carlos III supported the development of
industry, agriculture and trade.
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12. CAN YOU RECOGNISE THEM?
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