Carlos II was the last of the Spanish Habsburg rulers. When he died in 1700, he left no heir. This caused Archduke Karl of Austria and Philip of Anjou to vie for the throne. As the great, great, great grandson of Charles V, Archduke Karl was supported by Catalonia because Charles’ oath to defend the Catalonian Constitution. Karl invaded Spain with the support of England, establishing himself in Barcelona as Carlos III. In 1711 Karl succeeded his brother to become the Holy Roman Emperor, leaving Barcelona. This caused England to begin to fear Charles’ growing power and withdraw their troops from Catalonia, leaving it relatively defenseless.
Meanwhile Philip of Anjou’s power as an opposition leader began to grow throughout Spain. Philip’s forces began a siege on Barcelona in August of 1713, and it did not end until September 11th, 1714 with a dramatic battle. When it was all over, two thirds of the city’s houses were damaged or destroyed. Even more were torn down near the Cuitadella fortress to create a fire defense. September 11th is still celebrated as Catalonia’s national day.
During the 18th century, Barcelona was dominated by Philip’s Bourbon troops. Philip eventually claimed the Spanish throne as Felipe V. Barcelona flourished economically during Bourbon rule, as it’s Catalonia cultural identity began to wain. The 19th century brought the Peninsular Wars between France and Spain. Napoleon’s troops took the city in 1808, making it the capital of the Imperial Department of Montserrat until 1813. Two years later Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo and Catalonia was returned to the House of Bourbon.
Related posts:
- Barcelona History - Renaissance (1348-1561) The last years of the 14th century were dark times...
- Barcelona History - Medieval Prosperity (988-1348 A.D.) After their break from the Franks, the Sovereign Counts of...
- Barcelona History - The Path to Catalonian Sovereignty (Prehistory to 988 A.D.) This spring we are planning to take a trip to...
- Mark’s Monday Music #5 - Barcelona Street Music Video I'm back from vacation and I am breaking from...
