The 17 th century crisis

5. THE 17 TH CENTURY CRISIS THE ECONOMY -

The Spanish economy was in difficulty in the 17 th century.

Reasons: 1.

A crisis in the agriculture: -

The countryside lost much of its populatin as a reslt of epidemics and conscription (reclutamiento) in the army.

Agricultural production declined

2. Craftsmanship: - It was affected by a fall in consumption - It was also affected by competition from cheaper products made in other countries.

3. Trade: - It declined because economic crisis.

- The war afected Castilian fairs and trade with America.

4. The Royal Treasury was in difficulties: - It needed money to pay for the Court and wars.

- the incomes fell because silver and gold imports from America declined.

- The monarchy raised some money by increasing taxes and selling noble titles, but these measures weren’t successful.

5. THE 17 TH CENTURY CRISIS CONTROL OF TRADE ROUTES -

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After the defeated of its Invincible Armada, the Spanish fleet no longer controlled the Atlantic.

It became easier for English, French and Dutch pirates to attack Spanish ships.

Many of these attackers were called privateers, which meant that they were backed by governments.

The privateers targeted (sde enfocaron) Spanish treasure ships in the Caribbean or near Spain.

As a result of these attacks and tax fraud by merchants less money entered the Royal Treasury.

DEMOGRAPHY There had been continuos demographic growth in Spain in the 16 th century.

But population stopped rising in the 17 th century and even declined in the centre and south of the peninsula.

There were several causes: epidemics, wars, emigration to America and the expulsion of the moriscos

5. THE 17 TH CENTURY CRISIS SOCIETY -

Spanish society was dominated by an aristocratic outlook (“perspectiva”, opinión).

It was considered more prestigious to own land than work in commerce.

There was no respect for those who worked with their hands.

Spanish did not have a dynamic bourgeoisie.

Many social groups were affected by thr economic crisis: 1. Nobility: - It grew in numbers because the Crown sold noble titles to raise income.

- Nobles increased the taxes of their peasants.

2. The clergy: - It became more numerous.

- Some people only entered the Church to escape from poverty and hunger.

3. The bourgeoisie: - It suffered the effects of the crisis because many industries were ruined.

4. The peasants: - They were badly affected because of increased taxation, rising debt and the impact of war.