Reference no: EM133355854

Question: The death of Charles II in November 1700 marked the end of an era in Spanish history and the beginning of a new dynasty that turned its attention to implementing a program of reform inspired by models in France. The reform and ensuing revival of Spain is associated primarily with the House of Bourbon: Philip V (1700-1746) and his two sons, Ferdinand VI (1746-1759) and Charles III (1759-1788). The monarchy would later find itself under assail during the reigns of Charles IV and Ferdinand VII. Under the aegis of "enlightened despotism," the Bourbon kings attempted nothing less than a total overhaul of existing political and economic structures, a total renovation of national life. Begin by considering the challenges left by the last Spanish Hapsburgs as the empire declined in the1600s. Then, provide an in-depth analysis of the goals and methods of the Bourbon reforms that altered the nature of government and colonial trade in Spanish America. How successful were these reforms in helping Spain to "reconquer" its colonies for the benefit of the metropole? What were the significant and lasting consequences of the Bourbon reforms?