the 18th century

The 18th century was a time of profound change and upheaval for Spain and Andalusia in particular. At the beginning of this century, the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) broke out between the rival ruling houses of Habsburg and Bourbon. This war had far-reaching consequences for Spain, as it not only decided the succession to the throne, but also permanently changed the country's political and territorial structures. In 1704, England conquered Gibraltar, and this strategically important territory remains in British hands to this day. With the end of the war and the peace treaty of Utrecht in 1713, the Spanish crown finally passed to the House of Bourbon.

The Bourbons, a French noble family, ruled Spain from then on and imposed a centralized administrative structure that dissolved the old federal structures. Andalusia, once an autonomous and influential kingdom, lost much of its independence under this new order. The central state strengthened Madrid as the center of power and weakened the regional elites, which had a profound impact on the political and social structure of Andalusia.

Under the rule of the Bourbons, significant social and political reforms were carried out in collaboration with Spain's intellectual elite. These reforms aimed to increase the efficiency of the state and promote economic development. Science and education were specifically supported, which contributed to the founding of academies and the promotion of the Enlightenment. In Andalusia in particular, where agriculture and crafts had previously dominated, these reforms led to a certain upturn in industry and commerce.

An outstanding example of the Bourbon reform efforts was the huge shipbuilding program, which was intended to stimulate trade and strengthen the Spanish economy. Andalusia particularly benefited from this, as the focus of trade with the Spanish colonies in America shifted from Seville to Cádiz in the 18th century. This shift was not only a consequence of the gradual silting up of the River Guadalquivir, but also an expression of the economic dynamism that gripped Cádiz. The city experienced a new heyday and developed into an important commercial center of the Atlantic. Even the earthquake of 1755, which shook large parts of Andalusia, could not stop this development in the long term. Cádiz remained a flourishing center of trade and culture until the end of the century.

However, there was a decisive turning point in 1778: The privileges that Cádiz and Seville had enjoyed as monopoly ports for trade with the Spanish colonies were revoked. This led to trade being opened up to other Spanish ports, which weakened the economic supremacy of these two cities.

The late 18th century was also characterized by the turbulence of the French Revolution and its effects on Bourbon Spain. The Spanish Bourbons initially tried to protect their French relatives and preserve the monarchy in France. However, this policy led to a war with the young French Republic, which ultimately forced Spain into an alliance with Napoleon's France. As a result, Spain had to go to war on the side of France against Great Britain, further embroiling the country in the political and economic turmoil of Europe and paving the way for the decline of Bourbon rule.

Nevertheless, the Bourbon era left a deep mark on Andalusia. The reforms of this period laid the foundations for many developments that shaped Spain and Andalusia in the 19th century, even if they could not save the region from the coming political crises and social upheavals.