The House of Habsburg and Bourbon in Spain

By Albixx_15
  • Feb 24, 1500

    Charles I

    Beginning of the Habsburg dynasty in Spain. Grandson of the Catholic Monarchs (Isabella I and Ferdinand II). Ruled over a vast empire: Spain, the Americas, Italy, Flanders, and Austria. Abdicated in 1556 and retired to the Monastery of Yuste.
  • May 21, 1527

    Philip II

    Son of Charles I. Spain reached its greatest power and territorial expansion. Made Madrid the capital. Built El Escorial Monastery. His reign included the Battle of Lepanto (1571) and the defeat of the Spanish Armada (1588).
  • Apr 14, 1578

    Philip III

    Son of Philip II. Period of decline and government by royal favorites (like the Duke of Lerma). Ordered the expulsion of the Moriscos (1609).

  • Philip IV

    Son of Philip III. Faced economic and military crises; loss of influence in Europe. Great patron of the arts — Diego Velázquez was his court painter.

  • Charles II “The Bewitched”

    Last king of the Habsburg dynasty in Spain. Suffered from physical and mental illnesses caused by inbreeding. Had no heirs, which created a succession crisis. His death in 1700 led to the War of the Spanish Succession.

  • Philip V

    Grandson of the French king Louis XIV. Named heir by Charles II’s will. His claim to the throne triggered the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714). Became the first Bourbon king of Spain, a dynasty that continues today.

  • Loius I

    Son of Philip V (first Bourbon king of Spain) and Maria Luisa of Savoy. Became King of Spain in January 1724 after Philip V briefly abdicated. Reign lasted only 7 months due to his early death from smallpox in August 1724. Known for being young and popular at court, but had little time to implement policies. After his death, his father Philip V returned to the throne.

  • Fernando VI

    Peaceful reign, focused on economy and administration. Known for neutrality in international conflicts.

  • Charles III

    Brother of Fernando VI. Famous reformist king (“The Mayor King”). Modernized cities, improved taxes, promoted education and science.

  • Charles IV

    Son of Charles III. Reign marked by political and economic crises. Abdicated in favor of his son Ferdinand VII during Napoleon’s invasion.

  • Ferdinand VII

    Son of Charles IV. Restored absolutism after the Napoleonic occupation. Known as “El Deseado” (“The Desired”).