To what extent was the decline of Spanish power the reason for France’s success in the War of Devolution in the years 1667 to 1668?

The War of Devolution (1667-1668), a relatively short but significant conflict between France and Spain, provides an intriguing case study for analyzing the factors behind French military success in the late seventeenth century. While the decline of Spanish power undoubtedly played a crucial role, arguing that it was the sole reason for France's victory would be an oversimplification. This essay will explore the multifaceted nature of the conflict, considering both the undeniable weaknesses of Spain and the concurrent rise of French military and diplomatic strength under Louis XIV.

The Declining Spanish Colossus

Spain, once the dominant power in Europe, entered the latter half of the seventeenth century a shadow of its former self. The demographic reality painted a stark picture: while Spain’s population in 1600 was two-fifths that of France, by 1665 it had dwindled to a mere third. This decline had profound implications for Spain's ability to raise and maintain a powerful army, a critical factor in the War of Devolution.

Furthermore, the once mighty Spanish economy lay in ruins. By 1660, the influx of bullion from South America, which had fueled Spain’s imperial ambitions in the sixteenth century, had plummeted by a staggering 75%. This financial hemorrhage left Spain drowning in a sea of debt, a staggering 221 million ducats by 1667. The Spanish treasury effectively declared bankruptcy in 1666, crippling the nation's ability to finance its war effort.

Adding to Spain’s woes was its increasingly fragile political landscape. Philip IV, plagued by declining health, died in 1665, leaving the throne to his three-year-old son, Charles II. The ensuing regency, a period often fraught with instability, faced internal challenges from ambitious family members and a full-blown rebellion in Portugal. These internal conflicts further drained Spanish resources and diverted attention away from the French threat.

The Rise of French Fortunes

While Spain grappled with its internal demons, France, under the ambitious Louis XIV, was experiencing a period of remarkable ascendency. The French army, a key instrument of Louis's foreign policy, underwent a significant transformation. From a force of 72,000 in 1661, it swelled to 134,000 by 1667, a testament to France’s growing manpower and resources. Although some of the reforms implemented by Le Tellier, Louis XIV's Secretary of State for War, were still in their early stages, the increased size and improved pay of the French army provided a clear advantage over their Spanish counterparts.

The driving force behind France's military expansion was a revitalized economy, largely attributed to the reforms of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louis XIV's Controller-General of Finances. Colbert's mercantilist policies, aimed at achieving national self-sufficiency and maximizing exports, bolstered the French treasury and provided the financial sinews necessary to sustain a prolonged conflict.

French success in the War of Devolution was not limited to the battlefield. The diplomatic maneuvering of Louis XIV's foreign minister, Hugues de Lionne, proved equally instrumental. Lionne expertly exploited Spain’s weakened state by isolating it diplomatically. He successfully secured a non-intervention agreement with Spain's fellow Habsburgs, a critical blow to any hopes Spain had of external assistance. Furthermore, Lionne fueled the flames of the Portuguese rebellion by providing the rebels with an annual subsidy of 2 million livres, further stretching Spain's already thin resources.

On the battlefields of Flanders, French military prowess was equally evident. The rehabilitation of Louis II de Condé, Prince de Condé, a brilliant military commander, and the strategic acumen of Henri de la Tour d'Auvergne, Viscount de Turenne, another highly skilled general, proved decisive. Condé’s swift conquest of Franche-Comté and Turenne’s successful campaigns in the Spanish Netherlands showcased the effectiveness of the French army and its leadership.

Geographic factors also tipped the scales in France’s favor. France's contiguous territory and direct border with the Spanish Netherlands facilitated the rapid movement of troops and supplies. In contrast, Spain's scattered territories and the logistical challenges posed by the Pyrenees hampered its ability to respond effectively to French aggression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the decline of Spanish power, evidenced by its demographic crisis, economic woes, and internal political turmoil, undoubtedly contributed to its defeat in the War of Devolution, attributing French success solely to this factor would be a misjudgment. The war also unveiled the burgeoning strength of France under Louis XIV. The combination of a revitalized army, a flourishing economy, astute diplomacy, and skilled military leadership allowed France to exploit Spanish weakness and secure a decisive victory. The War of Devolution marked a turning point in the balance of power in Europe, signaling the decline of Spain and the rise of France as the continent's dominant force.