Introduction

King Carlos II, known as "The Bewitched" (El Hechizado) of Spain died in November of 1700, bringing an end to the Spanish Habsburg dynasty.

Prince Philip of France, Duke of Anjou and a grandson of King Louis XIV of France, ascended the throne as King Felipe V of Spain, leading European army conflict for more than one decade. France, England, and the Netherlands negotiated the division of Spain and its territories between the French and Austrian candidates, and Spain was involved in the War of Spanish Succession (1701–1713).

With the defeat of the Austrians, the Bourbon dynasty became hegemonic in Spain –the dynasty that is still ruling in Spain after 300 years- provoke other important reforms in the court and government, dominated from then on by French advisers, sent by Felipe V’s grandfather.

The result of the change the increase of bureaucracy, the centralization and removing of traditional liberties and privileges settled since medieval Spanish sources of law. But also during his reign the relation between Monarchy and Church changed, in fact he was considered a fervent believer; during his reign the Inquisition conduct hundreds of autos de fe, imposing on heretics heavy penalties.

Other changes concerned Spanish trade with the colonies, reserved for Spanish ships, and focused in the defense of the Carrera de Indias, the maritime route massive smuggling by other European maritime powers of the Atlantic seaboard.