The Policies of Olivares and the Problems of Spain :: Olivares Spain Foreign Policies Essays

The Policies of Olivares and the Problems of SpainIntroductionThe view is rapidly gaining currency that non only did Olivares policies for Spain and its empire not differ markedly from those of earlier Spanish statesmen, but that by and large the results of his manifold endeavours were both few and modest.This agreement of the historiography of Olivares effectiveness from Israel, makes Olivares look unoriginal and ineffectual. However other historians, such as Elliott have been far more sympathetic. the first and the last ruler of Hapsburg Spain who had the pretentiousness of vision to devise plans on a grand scale for the afterlife of a world-wide monarchy a statesman whose capacity for conceiving great designs was matched only by his consistent incapacity for carrying them through to a successful conclusion.Were Olivares policies a living way unwrap of Spains difficulties or did they aggravate the situation? To actualize this I am going to look at both Olivares contrary pol icy and national policy. Within foreign policy I project to see how far Olivares pushed the reputacin of the state before domestic crises agonistic him to seek peace. Among others the best areas to examine would be Olivares policies during the Thirty Years contend from 1622 the Mantuan War 1628-31 and the great revolts of Catalonia and Portugal in 1640. As for domestic policy I will need to look at Olivares initial reforms of 1623, why they wing through and the effect this had. Furthermore it is important to look at the areas where domestic policy coincides with foreign policy (in a defensive sense) in the undischarged Memorial, including the Union of Arms. I will also have to find out if Olivares policies were consistent, or whether they became more and more drastic during his term of office. Firstly though, to hear if the policies were significantistic or not, I will have to look into the real problems of Spain. Where exactly did these problems lie and what areas required alteration to keep Spain afloat? From this localise I will go on to see the policies in activity and from this I will gather whether or not they were realistic.1. The problems with SpainOn an multinational scale, Spain between 1580 and 1620 was at the crest of her wealth and power. Her supremacy was the dread of exclusively other nations, and therefore its destruction was the cherished object of statesmen for a century.