In previous articles, I discussed where to find information on the rulers of England, France, and Russia. In this series of articles, I will show you some places to find information on Spain, Germany, and Denmark. First, we will look at the Spanish rulers and where to find information about Spain's rulers of the 18th century.
Before I begin, you should note that two main houses ruled Spain during the 18th century, the Spanish Hapsburgs, and the House of Bourbon.
The Bourbon Rulers took over when Charles II died in 1700. This takeover by the French Bourbons caused England and Austria to go to war with France. This war, known as the War of the Spanish Succession, was fought over who would rule Spain in Charles II's stead.
House of Hapsburgs
Charles II (1665-1700)
The Spanish line of the Hapsburgs ended in 1700 when Charles II of Spain died childless and brotherless. One of his sisters had married Louis XIV of France; another married Emperor Leopold I.
These rulers had each planned how the rich Spanish possessions should be divided. Charles left a will, however, that made Louis's younger grandson, Philip, heir to all his possessions. It was because of this will that the War of The Spanish Succession was fought.
House of Bourbon
Philip V (1700-46)
The grandson of Louis XIV of France and great-grandson of Philip IV of Spain, Philip V gained his throne through the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-14) and founded the Bourbon Dynasty in Spain. During his reign, Spain regained some of its international stature.
Ferdinand VI (1746-59)
This king was left out of the politics of the Spanish Empire by his wife and mother. While being crown prince, his domineering stepmother had always excluded Ferdinand VI from policy-making and kept him out of public affairs.
Charles III (1759-88)
Charles III is considered to be the most popular king. He was the king of Spain and Naples Italy. However, he renounced his claim to the Naples thrown in favor of his third son. He did make some mistakes as king, which in the end lost some territory from the Spanish Empire.
Charles IV (1788-1808)
Charles IV had the misfortune to reign during the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic wars. In 1808 a conspiracy headed by Charles' son, the future Ferdinand VII, attempted to overthrow the Chief Minister of France. A riot on March 17 of that year forced Charles to abdicate in favor of Ferdinand.