18 th Century Reforms Chapter 19 Introduction n

18 th Century Reforms Chapter 19

Introduction n n Increasing attacks on the Iberian empires by foreign rivals led to the Bourbon reforms of Pompal in Brazil These changes strengthened the 2 empires but also generated colonial unrest that eventually led to independence movements

The Shifting Balance of Politics and Trade n n n By the 18 th century the Spanish colonial system was losing steam The problem lay in Spain itself Spain was threatened by France, England, and Holland – all of whom were Protestant and had a natural rivalry with Catholic Spain The English took Jamaica in 1654 and France took Haiti in 1697 They could not seize Spain’s Mexico or Peru

n n These settlements were part of an entire colonization process The English would also claim the Atlantic Coast of NA and the French would seize Canada and the Mississippi Valley

Spain’s Colonial Problems n n n Started with the failure of the Spanish mercantile and political system Annual fleets became irregular Silver payments declined The colonies were becoming more selfsufficient Local aristocrats took more control and power The empire seemed to be crumbling

Changes n n 1701 – Spanish King Charles II dies with no heir Other European nations hoped to gain this seat and win their colonies in the Americas Philip of Anjou – relative of the King of France won the crown A war resulted 1702 -1713 and the result was a treaty giving the French Bourbon family control

Now What… n This gave France access to Spain’s colonies

The Bourbons n n n n Launched a series of reforms Strengthen the state and its economy Certain groups opposed – the Jesuits – and they were kicked out of Spain in 1767 The tax system was tightened Navy was reformed – new ships built The convoy system was abandoned New ports were opened

Effects on the Colonies n n n The creoles lost power State monopolies were established Goods became cheaper and more accessible The Bourbon reforms helped Spain survive collapse, but it removed Creoles from government and created a level of tension in the colonies Read 428 -end P. 416 the Great Exchange