2. The Bourbon Reforms The reforms were intended to stimulate manufacturing and technology in order to modernize Spain The new Bourbon kings kept close ties with France and used many Frenchmen as advisors The transfer of the Spanish Crown to the Bourbons in 1700 brought violence The War of the Spanish Succession (1713) ended with Spain having to surrender its possessions in Europe and allow British trade with the Americas
3. The effects of the Bourbon reforms Spanish forces easily retook Naples and Sicily from the Austrians in 1734 Spain also thwarted British campaigns attempting to seize the strategic cities of Cartagena de Indias and Cuba during the war of Jenkins’ Ear (1739-1742) The discontent in Europe after the reforms led many people to band together and lead several revolts Criollos, Mestizos, and Indians were among the most common to be involved in such resistance movements.