rs' War, from 1618-1648, began a series of religious disputes but turned into a struggle between the Hapsburg and French Bourbon dynasties, each vying for control of Spain, weakening Spain in the process. The Hapsburg rule finally ended in Spain with the reign of Charles II during 1665-1700. The 18th century began with the War of Spanish Succession that lasted from 1701 and 1714. French King Louis XIV obtained some Spanish territory and put his grandson, who became Philip V, on the throne. The early Bourbon rulers in Spain paid great attention to economic development and the centralization of power. By the mid-1700s, Spain experienced increased prosperity and unity, eventually becoming a union of provinces instead of a collection of kingdoms, as it had been throughout its history. With introduction of rational and enlighten ideals, in part learned from France, Spain moved away from its strong religious orientation. In 1767, the Jesuits were expelled, and the powers of the Inquisition reduced. In later years, Spain allied itself with France and was thrust into the Seven Year War that lasted from 1756 to 1763, against Great Britain.Spain's decline in Subsequent years invited intervention by other powers, notable the French. In 1973, during France's revolutionary wars, Spain was made a French outpost. Resentment turned against the throne and government, further weakening Spain. In 1808, Napoleon Bonaparte forced the King Of Spain, Charles IV, to abdicate in favor of his own brother Joseph Bonaparte. The Spanish rebelled against the French occupation and were eager to adopt their own form of government. A democratic constitution was drawn up, whose progressive principles were disputed by liberal and conservatives for another 100 years. Efforts of the British and Spanish then forced France to evacuate, and in 1814, the Spanish throne was restored with the return of Ferdinand.During the years of 1814 and 1875, Internal conflicts ...
