1

Quadrumvirate: Power in the Caribbean – The Spanish Navy

JHUMUNC 2017

2

The Spanish Navy

TopicA:InternalNavalStructureandColonialCohesion

TopicB:ExternalAffairsandColonialExpansion

CommitteeOverview

Over the past several decades the power of the Spanish crown has faded. Their hold on colonial America has loosened, while wars in Europe have drained them of their resources. The golden age of Spain may have faded but is up to this committee to make sure that this decline does not progress. The first step to stopping this decline is naming the new King of Spain, Philip V. This new King will need aid rebuilding the Spanish empire and it is this committee’s responsibility to help him. King Philip has made it clear that the Spanish Empire has been at its strongest when its Navy was the best in the world, therefore a large number of delegates have connections to the Spanish Royal Navy and maritime trade. Delegates will have to advise the King on how best to reorganize the Royal Navy, utilize Spain’s current colonies, and possibly expand to new ones along with any other ideas they have to reform Spain.

ParliamentaryProcedure

As a small, specialized committee, parliamentary procedure will be moderately relaxed, assuming that this does not impede the flow of debate. Delegates are prominent Spanish naval officers, admirals and generals, along with esteemed royalty, and

other important figures, most of whom have a personal familiarity with each other. A creative outlook and liberal use of crisis notes is encouraged, though delegates will find their endeavors most successful if they receive support from other delegates.

DelegateDescriptionsRegionalColonialLeadersDoctor Diego Ladron de Guevara (Viceroy of Peru

After studying theology at the University of Alcala de Henares, and later becoming a professor of law, Diego Ladron de Guevara has a reputation for being a pious and law-abiding man. Before his appointment as Viceroy of Peru, he served as bishop of Panama, Ayacucho, and Quito. Guevara is also known to be hot-headed over personal disagreements with colleagues; one such instance of “personal differences” led to him being jailed briefly in 1689. As Viceroy and one of the most experienced in dealings with privateers, he heavily favors taxation and regulation in order to protect against both the external pirate threat and the internal threat of slave uprisings.

Laureano de Torres y Ayala (Governor of Cuba)

Previously the governor of La Florida, Torres y Ayala comes from a noble

3

family living in Madrid, Spain. He joined the Spanish army at a young age and participated in the exploration of Florida territories before becoming Governor and participating in the construction of several settlements. After fighting for several years in the War of Spanish succession, he was appointed Governor of Cuba. He is primarily concerned with economic problems, such as preventing tobacco tax evasion. Ayala himself has had several run-ins with the law, the most important of which being a two-year imprisonment on corruption charges. Since his acquittal and reinstatement, Ayala has dedicated himself to founding charities and economic development, but it is unclear whether he is truly innocent.

Fernando de Alencastre, 1st Duke of Linares (Viceroy/Captain-General of New Spain)

Alencastre is a rich nobleman and knight with close ties to the royal family. That said, he has a generous streak, using money from his own funds to repair earthquake damage and help the poor during times of famine. He has also spent large amounts of money on warships for the coast guard and muskets for the militia. One of his main goals is to increase trade with Peru, a task interrupted by the War of Spanish Succession. In the past, he has used private ships to trade when the Spanish government failed. The Council of the Indies has rejected his attempts to create this kind of trade in the past, suggesting that Alencastre himself might be profiting from the trade. Nevertheless, the Viceroy continues to be one of the greatest contributors to the church, the poor, and scholarly pursuits. Francisco de Corcoles y Martinez (Governor of Florida)

Martinez joined the Royal Army in his youth, and has progressed very far in the

military, from Cadet to Captain. He was briefly a prisoner of war in France, leading to a great distrust of all non-Spaniards. In his time as Governor of Florida, he has withstood fires and attacks by Amerindians, Greeks and English. Therefore, he greatly values fortifications to colonial forts and increased immigration from Spain to the New World to replace his losses in population. Martinez’s greatest rival and enemy is Juan de Ayala y Escobar, his second-in-command who Martinez has already tried to imprison once for overcharging on food to the poor and hungry population.

Juan de Ayala y Escobar (Lieutenant Governor of Florida)

Second to Martinez in the Floridian chain of command, Escobar spent many years serving aboard merchant vessels in the Caribbean. His connections and familiarity with trade routes and harbors are helpful, but his ambition has led to untrustworthiness and corruption, including profiteering from illegally obtained and overpriced food. Yet, Escobar is well connected with local troops and merchants, making him seemingly unshakeable from his rising position of power.

PrimaryMilitary/NavalLeaders

Andres de Pez y Malzarraga Andres de Pez comes from a family

tradition of Naval service and has spent decades in the Spanish Navy. His father and brother, also naval officers, were killed by the French in an 1876 battle, after which he became a company commander in the Caribbean, protecting Spanish ships so effectively that he earned a reputation for outstanding bravery and efficiency, also sustaining several wounds. He has explored and mapped much of the northern Gulf of Mexico, convincing the War Council to

4

colonize Pensacola, Florida. He served as captain general of the Indies Fleet until 1710 and is the leading candidate to take command of the reorganized Navy as one of the wisest and most experienced on the council.

Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta

Blas de Lezo started his career in the French navy in 1701, fighting in the Franco-Spanish fleet against Great Britain. He lost his left leg below the knee early in the war, followed by his left eye and, most recently, the use of his right arm. Though still a relatively young man, Lezo has garnered a reputation as a war hero and skilled in strategy, despite nicknames such as ‘Pegleg’ and ‘Halfman’. He has joined this council to provide his leadership and expertise, and is one of the top candidates to lead the Spanish Navy going forward. Another leading candidate, Andres de Pez, was the commanding officer in the battle when Blas de Lezo lost his eye; the relationship between the two is therefore understandably complex.

Antonio de Benavides Another up-and-comer in the

Spanish military, Benavides is rumored to have saved the life of King Philip V himself while serving in the Spanish War of Succession. He is reportedly very close to the king, having accompanied the monarch on many royal hunting parties even before Benavides helped Philip V escape enemy fire in 1710, at great personal risk. Furthermore, he has proven to be an upright and ethical leader since his first post in Havana, Cuba, and is an exceptional marksman. Philip V is looking forward to repaying Benavides’s loyalty, which will come in handy during the power struggle ahead, especially considering Antonio’s interest in reforming and developing the Floridian colony.

Don Juan Esteban de Ubilla Esteban de Ubilla is the current

captain of the New Spain Fleet, also known as the Spanish Treasure Fleet. The fleet set sail in 1712 by orders of King Phillip V, due to Spain’s state of near bankruptcy. This captain is tasked with sailing eight ships to the Americas and accruing as much treasure as possible. He is under a lot of pressure from the King, as he is one of the most important players in saving the Spanish economy.

Francisco Castillo Fajardo Fajardo has a sturdy military record

in the Spanish military, having defended Cadiz and conquered Castelo de Vide and Marvao early in the war. He harbors a particularly strong grudge against the British and Dutch, who he fought many times in the War, and opposes all notions of cooperation with them now that the war is over.

Alberto Octavio Tserclaes de Tilly Tilly is a Spanish General of Flemish

origin, who served on King Philip V’s side in the Portuguese campaign of the War. He is best known, however for foiling a conspiracy by the Captain General of Catalonia, who tried to switch sides against Philip. Philip V rewarded Octavio with the title Grandee of Spain. He has had several administrative roles in the past eight years, making him another strong candidate for leadership of the council. Rafael Casanova i Comes

As the siege of Barcelona has ended, so has Rafael Casanova’s position as the highest political and military authority in Catalonia, supporters of Charles against Philip in the War of Spanish Succession. Although Philip has largely opted to pacify Catalonia through force, Philip recognizes Rafael’s value as a politician and officer, and has given him a position in the council

5

in hopes of gaining support for Catalan incorporation into Spain. Casanova is therefore a wildcard on the council, a former enemy combatant who may want to undermine council proceedings, but also a skilled soldier and demagogue who may be able to solve some of the problems plaguing the Navy. His greatest enemy will be Restaino Cantelmo-Stuart, his direct opponent from the Siege of Barcelona. Alexandre Maitre

A French military officer who served the Spanish military during the War of Spanish succession, Maitre may be valuable for his time spent in the Dutch cavalry immediately before the War. Despite achieving high rank, he has faced a mixed bag of victories and defeats. Ultimately, he has proven to be a solid officer, though he fears many of the Spaniards on this council will dislike him and shun his bid for leadership because he is French (even though the King himself is of French descent).

OtherAdvisorsJosep Moragues I Mas

Moragues was a Catalan general during the War of Spanish Succession, but one who fought on the side of Archduke Charles against King Philip V. He was recently betrayed on his way to Majorca and captured, but the King has offered him a special deal; if he gives useful information on the British and Dutch Navies, then the King will not execute him as normally would happen. Lacking allies on the council, Mas will have to convince the delegates of his value in order to stay alive.

Antonio Castaneta Unlike the Council members who

fought during the Spanish War of Succession, Castaneta spent the war focused on shipbuilding, well-known for his innovative and science-based designs. The

British and Dutch have tried to copy some of his designs, much to his distaste. Castaneta did fight before the War of Succession, and is looking to get back into the military ranks, although many have pressured him to stick to shipbuilding

Jorge Prospero de Verboom

A Flemish-born military engineer and son of the former Engineer in Chief of the Spanish Netherlands, Prospero Jorge attended the Spanish Military Engineering Academy of Brussels. He has worked on multiple sieges and defenses for the Spaniards, promoted to Lieutenant General of the Spanish army immediately before being further promoted to Engineer General of the Royal Armies. He was captured and imprisoned for two years, and now has plans to organize the State structure of all Engineering works under the Spanish sovereignty.

Don Antonio de Echeverz y Zubiza As the captain-general of the Tierra

Firme, the second half of the Spanish Treasure Fleet, Zubiza, like Ubilla, must help King Philip V strengthen the Spanish economy. Zubiza will take his four ships and must meet up with Ubilla in Havana to successfully bring back the cargo. It is important that Ubilla and Zubiza work closely together to ensure the safe passage of the cargo. Amaro Rodriguez Felipe

A late addition to the council, Felipe has served as a privateer on the route between Cadiz and the Caribbean, with experience attacking ships belonging to England and Holland, Spanish rivals. He has many accolades from Philip V for his actions, having fought Blackbeard himself at one point, and is also an experienced trader to the Indies, which has sent him on his way to becoming one of the richest men in the region. His work in looting the enemies of

6

Spain has led these same enemies to call him a “pirate”, but Amaro appears to be completely loyal to the Spanish Crown.

Restaino Cantelmo-Stuart

Of Italian descent, Cantelmo remained loyal to Philip V in the War of Spanish Succession and has just left Spain after failing to conquer Barcelona for the King in a siege. Despite his lack of success on the battlefield, Cantelmo is known for being practical and accountable, leading many to think he will soon be appointed the Minister of Finance and War. He blames his failure in Barcelona on a lack of proper supply, and plans to improve the flow of weapons and materials to Spanish forces.

Giulio Alberoni Originally from Italy, Alberoni spent

his early priesthood in Rome, and later with French forces in Italy during the War of Spanish Succession. He is well known for his good humor and liked by French King Louis XIV. Recently, having joined Philip Vs court, Alberoni has risen to become the royal favorite in the court, particularly with the princesse des Ursins, who is all but omnipotent with the King. Even though the King is still married to Queen Maria Luisa of Savoy, the princess’s influence is enough for Alberoni to be one of the most influential men at the court.

Topic A: Internal Naval Structure and Colonial Cohesion

HistoryandBackground The peak of the Spanish Empire

extended approximately a century from the mid-1500s to mid-1600s with the Habsburg family in power. Spain oversaw a vast amount of land including large parts of Europe, such as the Netherlands and pieces of France and Italy, but its reach extended far past Europe. The Spanish colonized parts of the Americas such as Florida and other islands including Guam and the Philippines. Spain would send an expedition to the land and install a governor. Along with Spanish rule came its religion. With church and state tied closely together, Spain had its colonists convert to Catholicism1. Spain used its colonies to pour wealth back into Spain. Silver and gold shipments were frequently sent over from the Americas.

With territorial power came its military strength. Spain had a strong, but far stretched military and navy. However, during the peak of the Spanish Empire, Spain was able to diminish the threat of the Ottoman's to the Mediterranean. Spain was victorious in the Battle of Lepanto against the Ottomans as well as in claiming the island of Malta.2 These two victories heightened Spain’s status in the world and reassured the strength of its navy.

1 http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippine_history/spanish_colonization.html2 New World Encyclopedia contributors, "Spanish Empire," New World Encyclopedia, http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Spanish_Empire&oldid=993385 (accessed July 10, 2016).

7

Although it had great territorial and military power, Spain struggled economically. Spain had to declare bankruptcy multiple times, namely under Philip II in both 1557 and 1576.3 Spain relied on shipments of gold from its colonies to support its many wars. However, the main economic issues stemmed from Spain’s lack of industry. Money was spent on wars and churches, but little was put into industry, agriculture, or business4. The result of this being that Spain had to import many goods and foods. Its tumultuous economy made it difficult for internal growth.

DeclineofEmpire

The Empire’s decline began around the time of the collapse of the Castilian economy.5 After the collapse, Castile switched to a barter system and so Spain was unable to collect taxes from the peasants. Spain felt the effects of serious inflation, because Spain had to debase its currency in an effort to pay for its many wars. All of this made Spain start to completely rely on its colonial imports. In addition to its economic problems, Spain began facing more military issues. Spain’s military was stretched too thin. Pirates were a great concern as well as the improvements on the French and Dutch navies6. Between the Battle of the Downs, the Battle of Rocroi, and the Battle of Lens, Spain lost its

3 Ibid.4“The Rise and Fall of the Empire 1492 to 1900." The History of Spain. Accessed July 10, 2016. http://www.spanish-web.com/history/empire.php.5New World Encyclopedia. "Spanish Empire." New World Encyclopedia. Accessed July 10, 2016. http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Spanish_Empire#.22God_is_Spanish.22_.281596.E2.80.931626.29.6 Ibid.

control on the Netherlands. After peace was made with the Dutch, war with the French ran on for almost eleven years, which was devastating to both the Spanish military and economy. Many mark the Battle of Rocroi, and the following war with France, to be the ultimate end of Spanish dominance in Europe.7 However, under the kingship of Charles II, Spain slid even farther away from its former glory.

ReignofCharlesII

King Charles II was the final Habsburg ruler of Spain. Charles II had many health problems, both physical and mental, as a result from generations of inbreeding. He was unable to rule successfully, and his mother, Marie Louise, made many decisions for him8. The Nine Year’s War ended with Spain losing even more territory and revealed how weak it had become. Countries such as France were able to take advantage of this. Aside from losing territory, there were problems within the government. The court was filled with people trying to use the King as their pawn, especially towards the end of his life. The final Habsburg was married twice9, but was unable to produce an heir to the throne. Ultimately, he gave the throne to someone outside his family, the Bourbon Prince Philip duc d’Anjou. This decision and the following events lead to the War of the Spanish Succession10.

7 Ibid.8Mutschlechner, Martin. "Charles II and the Issue of the Succession." The World of the Habsburgs. Last modified 2011. Accessed July 10, 2016. http://www.habsburger.net/en/chapter/charles-ii-and-issue-succession.9 Ibid.10 ———. "War of the Spanish Succession." New World Encyclopedia. Accessed July 10, 2016.

8

ConflictsandtheWarofSpanishSuccession

Many countries felt they had a stake in the Spanish throne. Leopold, I, the Holy Roman Emperor, believed he had a claim to the throne since he was of the Austrian Habsburg line and a cousin to Charles II. However, if Leopold I became the successor, there were concerns about the power the new Spanish-Austrian Habsburg Empire11. However, the candidate Louis, the Grand Dauphin, was even more concerning to the European balance of power. Louis was the son of Louis XIV, King of France, and Maria Theresa. Maria Theresa was King Charles II’s elder half sister, and so Louis, the Grand Dauphin, had the most direct link to the throne. But, Louis was already in line to accept the throne of France. Controlling both France and Spain would upset the balance of power12. Finally, England and France agreed upon Joseph Ferdinand, of the Wittelsbach dynasty, as the heir to the Spanish crown. They decided that some of Spain would be divided amongst Italy, France, and Austria. However, Spain was not consulted during this decision and they strongly disagreed. Charles II ended up naming Joseph Ferdinand to the throne, but for the entire Empire, not the parts that England and France agreed upon. Unfortunately, Ferdinand died and King Charles II ultimately named Philip duc d’Anjou, the second son of the Grand Dauphin, to the throne as Philip V of Spain. Conflict began when Louis XIV refused to remove Philip V from the line of

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Spanish_Empire#.22God_is_Spanish.22_.281596.E2.80.931626.29.11 Ibid.12 Ibid.

succession for the French throne. This left open the possibility that Philip V could rule a combined France and Spain. Louis XIV began to give France more power through barring England and the Netherlands from trade with Spain. With England already feeling alienated, the final straw occurred when Louis XIV decided to recognize the former king of England’s son, James Francis Edward Stuart, as king, instead of William III. The war began with battles occurring all over Europe. Several countries allied together including England, Austria, the Netherlands, and the Holy Roman Empire. These countries believed that the Archduke Charles should be the King of Spain. In 1711, the war began to slow down as alliances between countries weakened, and Archduke Charles was named the next Emperor to the Holy Roman Empire after the death of Emperor13. Countries no longer wanted him to be King of Spain, as it would upset and swing the balance of power toward Austria, the same way King Philip V had for France. In 1714, the war officially ended with the Peace of Utrecht, and Philip V remained the King of Spain.14 He had to remove himself from the French line of succession and Spain had to give up the Spanish Netherland and parts of Italy. King Philip V also allowed Great Britain the right to slave trade for up to thirty years in Spanish America.

StatusoftheSpanishEmpireat1714

At the start of our committee, in 1714, Spanish Florida is an important part of the trade routes around the colonies as well as the Spanish economy. Ships travel along 13 Ibid.14 Ibid.

9

the Florida coastline and often need to stop in the case of storms. Additionally, the Appalachia region of Florida became particularly wealthy in the mid-1600s. Spain used the mission system to work with the Native Americans in order to farm the land. However, with England attempting to take control of Spanish Florida, the colony has suffered. The English have destroyed the missions and burnt St. Augustine to the ground15. Therefore, Spain must work hard to keep Florida under its control and protection. It is necessary to protect our treasure fleets and trade ships.

As far as the Spanish economy is concerned, Peru is the most important colony. Its silver production and other mineral extraction produces millions of pesos. Peru has a vibrant economy and culture with approximately 3 million inhabitants16. Lima and Potosi are the two most important cities, with Lima being the center for merchants, government, services, and most cultural aspects, while Potosi is the heart of the silver production. However, since the beginning of the 1700s, several small uprisings from the indigenous people have occurred. Spain must keep a careful watch to ensure that these do not become larger rebellions.

CommitteeMandate

King Philip V has created this committee specifically with Naval reform and the rebuilding of the Empire in mind. As

15 State Library and Archives of Florida. "Timeline." Florida Memory. Accessed July 10, 2016. https://www.floridamemory.com/exhibits/timeline/.16 "History of Peru." Mother Earth Travel. Accessed July 10, 2016. http://motherearthtravel.com/history/peru/history-5.htm.

such, the council’s first task will be to elect new leadership for the Royal Navy. Required leadership positions include: Captain-General of the Armada of the Ocean, Admiral General of the Sea (Second in-command), and Captain-General of the Armada of the Indies. These leaders will not have direct control over the council itself, but will become default representatives of the council and will have the most control over the rest of Spain’s naval forces. The council, should it deem it necessary, can also elect advisory ministers, such as Minister of Finance and Minister of Merchants and Privateers. Once the new leadership of the Royal Navy has been elected, the primary focus of the committee must be on reestablishing the Spanish Empire, primarily in the Caribbean. It is recommended to consolidate the colonies and resolve any issues of unrest among them, improve and protect shipping lanes and merchants, and establish trade with (or undermine and manipulate) your British and Dutch counterparts. Your goal is to bring honor, glory, and gold to King Philip, proving to the world the Spain is still an empire to be reckoned with.

QuestionstheCommitteeMustAnswer

● Who will be the new leaders of the Spanish Navy, and what will their powers be?

● What topics, issues, and locations are priorities for the Spanish Navy?

● How can peace be assured within the colonies Spain currently has?

● Can old colonies be reclaimed? Can new colonies be conquered? If so, how?

10

● How can trade between Spain and the Indies be enhanced? How can the Navy help private merchants?

● What will the relationship be between the Spanish Navy and the Navies of the British and Dutch? Will the council pursue a path of cooperation or of competition?

ConcludingRemarks

Establishing a solid resolution that resolves the internal issues will provide the Spanish navy with a strong, organized group that can effectively tackle international issues. It’s important that delegates establish an effective captain as well as maintain order within the navy in order to have a strong base. Delegates will need to effectively resolve these internal issues with speed in order to be prepared to face crisis situations. Developing a sound navy will help the Spanish Empire regain dominance in the sea and establish rule in other parts of the world. With a strong coherent navy, the Spanish Empire can focus on strategy to overtake the British, Dutch, and Pirates. AppendixII.Pre-CouncilSpeechfromKingPhilipV

Buenvenido, I have called upon all of you esteemed

members of this council to coordinate efforts to rebuild our navy into a unit stronger than ever before. I am looking for strong leadership that demonstrates brilliance in naval navigation, confidence, and strategic ability to overcome obstacles. The development of a strong navy will lead us and our Empire into a new era of dominance with in Europe and across seas. We must look out for our opponents who are in the efforts of improving their own navies.

However, I have faith in this council to productively develop resolutions to some of

our internal issues and adapt to new situations. In the conclusion of these efforts I want to establish a navy with honor to bring back gold to our Empire.

Dios Bendiga Este Imperio! King Philip V

11

Topic B: External Affairs and Colonial Expansion

Introduction

In addition to resolving internal issues, the committee will need to resolve additional conflicts that arise from other countries. External threats include the British Navy, Dutch Navy, and Coalition of Pirates. The War of Spanish Succession and other events have played a toll on the current status of these three committees. In order to understand how to respond to events that are caused by other committees it is important to understand the naval status of these groups as well as their relationships with the Spanish Navy.

BritishNavy

From the British perspective, Spain is not necessarily an existential threat; British interests lie primarily in continued disruption of the power of France. However, Britain’s influence represents a significant threat to Spain’s re-emergence as a global power. With the rigors of the War of Spanish Succession several weaknesses have appeared in Britain’s facade; exploitation of these factors will be key to success for this council.

While Britain has recently experienced a meteoric rise in trade and manufacturing, a large portion of the population lives as agrarian peasants outside of cities. Urbanization is currently limited, with between one sixth and one third of the population living in cities17.

17 "EnglishPolicy."TheSpanishSuccession,www.spanishsuccession.nl/

ukpolicy.html.

The North American front of the War, known as Queen Anne’s War, resulted in significant losses for all parties involved- Britain, Spain and France. While the farther west territory of New Spain was largely unscathed, British attacks on Spanish Florida have left a wounded colony with a capital reduced to ruins. However, the war also came with significant British losses. A combination of poor harvests and war financing have left Britain’s southern colonies, particularly Virginia, Maryland, and South Carolina, with major financial burdens. The War has also exacerbated tensions in British-Indian relations. The Tuscarora War, beginning in 1711, has caused major refugee movements north towards Iroquois territory, while elsewhere tensions near the brink of war. The more northern colonies have had less of a financial burden, but French settlement at Cape Breton Island has created friction between the two powers. Britain has also attempted to disrupt Spanish fishing interests in Newfoundland, with limited success18. In this theater, it should be noted that France and Spain share a common enemy. Despite their limited individual naval strength, an alliance may be able to disrupt the existing seat of power. Elsewhere, Britain currently displays a significant position of power over Spain’s naval network. As a result of the Treaty of Utrecht Britain currently has exclusive rights to all slave trade in Spain’s colonies, and will continue to do so for the next 30 years19. Overall, the defeat of the Spanish and French navies, particularly the battles of 18 "QueenAnne'sWar:TheSecondoftheFrenchandIndianWars."UnitedStates

History,www.u-s-history.com/pages/h846.html.19 "TreatiesofUtrecht."EncyclopaediaBrittanica,www.britannica.com/topic/

treaties-of-Utrecht.

12

Cabrita and Toulon, allowed for the English to establish a “blue water policy” of near-total control of trade both inside the Mediterranean and outside Europe. More directly relevant to Spain, the Battle of Vigo resulted in the destruction of part of Spain’s treasure fleet20. At this point Spain, has very little naval power compared to Britain’s dominance of the seas; resistance against this force will need to be a primary goal of the council. However, the trade operations of all powers-particularly those of Britain- are under the looming threat of piracy. The peace treaties immediately following the War of the Spanish Succession has resulted in a large number of seamen suddenly relieved of military duty. With the rapid rise in maritime trading, a significant portion of these sailors turned to piracy21. Controlling these criminals- or working with them against Britain- will be an important piece of maintaining Spain’s trading presence in both the Atlantic and Pacific. Internally, the unity of the British people is marred by a series of uprisings by the Jacobites, a group of Catholic rebels aiming to put the son of James II on to the throne. As the last Catholic king of Britain, James II attracted significant ire from the Protestant Parliament for his policies of tolerance contrary to the current political discourse. The birth of James III in 1688, thereby displacing James II’s Protestant daughter Mary from inheritance, brought the

20 "TheEnglishNavy1649-1815."AllEmpires,www.allempires.com/article/

index.php?q=english_navy_1649-1815.

21 "TheGoldenAgeofPiracy."AboutEducation,latinamericanhistory.about.com/od/

TheGoldenAgeofPiracy1700-1725/a/The-Golden-Age-Of-Piracy.htm.

crisis to its breaking point. Aided by Parliament, the Dutch stadtholder William III of Orange launched a naval invasion of England, causing a series of Anti-Catholic riots that rapidly collapsed the Catholic rule. Following the death of the deposed James II, James III’s claim to the British throne (backed by King Louis XIV of France) and refusal to recognize the legitimate (Protestant) claimants led to his exile for treason. This exile led to collusion with the French king and, eventually, an attempted naval invasion by France in 1708 at Firth of Forth (which promptly retreated due to storms).

It is extremely important to note that the current year is marked by major political change in Britain. The previous reigning queen, Queen Anne, has died this year. Despite significant resistance from Britain’s significant Catholic population, as well as the Tory party, King George has used the Act of Settlement 1701 to take the throne- a 50-year-old German lord with almost no knowledge of the English language, a wife arrested for adultery, and over 50 closer relatives to Anne (barred due to the Act of Settlement from accession). The day of his coronation in Westminster Abbey was marked by nothing less than riots in towns across England, and already London’s streets hear talk of once again attempting to bring the Catholic James III and VIII onto the throne by force. These circumstances merely further the Catholic-Protestant tension that threatens to split the British government. Given Spain’s equally ardent devotion to the Pope, the council may find further allies in these potential rebels. It is undeniable that Britain will likely be the most formidable of the foes that Spain must encounter in its path to greatness. However, Britain itself has many foes, both foreign and within. It is necessary that this council utilize this situation in order to reinstate Spain as a true global empire.

13

RelevantDelegatesWhile all delegates will be crucial in

determining the council’s fate in their dealings with Britain, a few delegates have especially notable motivations in these interactions. Francisco de Corcoles y Martinez, Andrez de Pez y Malzarraga, Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta, Antonio de Benavides, Francisco Castillo Fajardo, Restaino Cantelmo-Stuart, and Alexandre Maitre, are all significant combatants against Britain in the War of Spanish Succession, and each hold significant grudges against their former foes. Other delegates, such as Laureano de Torres y Avala, Fernando de Alencastre, Juan de Alaya y Escobar, Don Juan Esteban de Utilla, Antonio Castaneta, Don Antonio de Echeverz y Zubiza, and Diego Ladron de Guevara will likely be prepared to contest British trade and territory in the New World without excessive hostilities. On the other hand, Josep Moragues I Mas, Rafael Casanova i Comes, both former traitors to King Philip V, likely continue to harbor softer feelings towards Great Britain.

DutchNavyOverview

Throughout the years from the Nine Years War through the Spanish Succession the Dutch has bounced from different regimes. The size of their navy has also shrunk as the British Navy has surpassed it with more active ships. The Spanish Empire has the opportunity to place even more pressure on the already shrinking Dutch Navy. The Dutch worked to improve their influence in the world by improving their negotiating powers. Yet despite the desire to establish naval dominance, and acquire their own political interests, all powers are looking to return to peaceful commerce. With financial debt and need for recovery, the Dutch has vulnerabilities that the

Spanish can exploit to establish naval dominance. NavalStatus

In 1674, the Dutch had the strongest navy in Europe. The purpose of the navy was to protect international trade circulated by the Spanish Netherlands. In order to compare the army strengths of different nations, the strengths of the navies were measured through the concept of effective strength. Effective strength is potential strength of the navy based on the number of ships equipped for battle22. As of 1688, The Dutch navy had the largest effective strength with a total of 59 active ships along with 10 ships either sailing or being repaired totaling about 70 ships23. However, by 1700, the strength of the Dutch navy decreased to the second or third most powerful navy with the English navy increasing in power. The Invasion of England (1688) during the Nine Years War was last battle that showcased The Dutch as a great power24. After the invasion, The Dutch engaged with the English as a senior partner in a naval alliance to maintain a secure relationship. However, Britain continued to improve their ship production and increased their potential strength larger than the Dutch pushing the British into becoming the senior partner. WarofSpanishSuccession

During the War of Spanish Succession, the Dutch navy was strong but has decreased in strength since its prime in 1674. Due to the Nine Year’s War (1688-1697), the Dutch Navy has lost and destroyed ships, reducing its effective

22 : "Dutch Navy in 1700." The Spanish Succession. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 201623 Ibid24 Ibid

14

strength. The Navy had a combative power of about 50 active ships. However, a majority of these ships were small.

Since the two houses Bourbons and Habsburgs had claims to the Spanish throne, the two major representatives in debate for actually inheritance were Louis, the Dauphin of France, and Emperor Leopold I from the Austrian Habsburg dynasty. However, another potential successor, Prince Joseph Ferdinand of Bavaria, expressed interest in the throne25. The Dutch Republic and England are in favor of Prince Joseph because he is neither French or Habsburg. However, after the Second Partition Treaty, King Philip V took the throne. This led to the combined power of France and Spain under a single monarch. This union is not favored by the Dutch because there is no balance of power in Europe. The Treaty of Den Haag gave the Spanish Netherlands to Austria26. Economy after the War of SpanishSuccession

The Spanish Netherlands economy has strived to keep up with warfare. In the beginning of the 18th century, the Dutch Republic along with England were financially stable due to their strong colonial expansion. Wealth was steady as the United Provinces improved in trade and as populations grew. However, the War of the Spanish Succession had placed the Dutch deeply in debt. In order to facilitate economic circulation, the Dutch will need to reallocate funds. With a significant amount of finances in the Spanish military and the end of the Spanish Succession, the Dutch will need to cut costs in the naval programs.

25 "The War of Spanish Succession, 1701-1714." WHKMLA. World History at KMLA, n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 201626 Ibid

Therefore, ships will be broken and sold to put money back into the economy27. The slowing Dutch economy has additionally compromised free trade28. However, the cost- cutting program will promote free trade. The Spanish Navy can look to restrict Dutch trade to strengthen the trade in the Spanish Empire. TransitionsoftheDutchState

Under Charles II the Spanish Netherlands were part of his realm. After the War of Spanish Succession, the First Partition Treaty broke up a bulk of the Spanish Empire including the Spanish Netherlands. The territory was transferred to the rule of the Bavarian Prince Joseph Ferdinand. Prince Joseph allowed the region to run independent of other French or Austrian control29. After Prince Joseph died in 1699, the Second Partition Treaty divided the Spanish Empire differently. The new treaty divided the Spanish Empire into three rulers. A majority of the third fell under the rule of Archduke Charles. The third included the Spanish Netherlands, Sardinia, and colonies that were now also under the same rule. Spain has tremendous interest in the Spanish Netherlands because it acts as a safe zone between the French and British. Britain sought to overtake the Spanish Netherlands to prevent the Spanish from having naval access to Britain’s British Isles.

27 War of Spanish Succession: "Dutch Navy in 1700." The Spanish Succession. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 201628 Ibid29"The First Partition Treaty, or Treaty of The Hague." The Spanish Succession. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2016.

15

CoalitionofPiratesHistory and Rise of Piracy afterWar ofSpanishSuccession

During and before the War of Spanish Succession, major European powers have been almost constantly at war with each other. This caused the emergence of privateers, which created a new dimension to international relations. The privateers are a quasi-independent part of the military. Often, these men will have letters of marque, statements of permission from their governments to attack certain countries’ ships. The government could send these men to different parts of the sea at their discretion. These letters of marque are crucial, because they prove to be the line between piracy and privateering. Without a letter of marque, these individuals are pirates. The government does not condone their actions, so they are not a quasi-part of the military. During the War of Spanish Succession, the Kings and Queens would mobilize “well-armed merchantmen” in addition to these privateers.30 These privateers ultimately became pirates at the end of the War of Spanish Succession.

At the end of the war, countries disbanded the majority of their navies and allowed letters of marque to expire. This resulted in a huge number of unemployed sailors and privateers. This unemployment was the catalyst that set forth the outburst of pirates in Europe. These men were without wages and had the means and knowledge to become pirates. This new abundance of pirates became an issue for Spain, because we were the primary target for pirates whom were indirectly employed by the Netherlands, France, and England.31 The

30 Marcus Rediker, Villains of All Nations: Atlantic Pirates in the Golden Age (Boston, USA: Beacon Press, 2004), 2131 Rediker, Villains of All Nations, 24

threat to our ships was comparable to or even greater than the threat from our enemies during the war.32 This is a major issue, because the War of Spanish Succession exhausted Spain’s forces. These countries knew to take advantage of Spain’s weakened stance. Although the Netherlands, France, and England outlawed piracy in the late 17th century, it remains a problem today.

During the major growth of piracy in the late 17th century, pirates primarily focused on ports in the Caribbean. Pirates and privateers regularly attacked Spanish ports in the Caribbean. For example, Captain Morgan had a major attack on the Spanish port, Portobello in the late 1600s.33 In addition to attacking different ports, pirates set up safe havens, which seriously contributed to their growth. For example, Port Royal and Tortuga were recently set up as pirate havens.34 This allows pirates to easily prey on Spanish ships in addition to ports. The Caribbean colonies play an important part of the Spanish economy, so these pirate attacks proved extremely problematic for Spain. Current Relations between the SpanishNavyandPirates

As of the end of the War of Spanish succession, the Spanish Navy is overstretched and overworked between its many colonies and the downscaling of 32 Rediker, Villains of All Nations, 1933 Christopher Minster, "The Ten Best Pirate Attacks in History," About Education, accessed October 24, 2016, http://latinamericanhistory.about.com/od/Pirates/tp/The-Ten-Best-Pirate-Attacks-In-History.htm.34 Evan Andrews, "6 Famous Pirate Strongholds," History, last modified January 21, 2014, accessed October 24, 2016, http://www.history.com/news/history-lists/6-famous-pirate-strongholds.

16

troops in Europe. Pirates pose an especially potent threat because our large naval vessels are struggling to catch the smaller, quicker, and more agile pirate ships. Additionally, the pirates, since many are former military sailors, have a vast array of skills and knowledge of the area, providing them a distinct advantage over many of our naval commanders, who have spent their entire careers in Europe35.

There are a suspected number of 1000 to 2000 pirates in the region, and the British Crown is doing a poor job of guarding the Bahamas36, which have become a hotbed of pirate activity and making it the staging ground for major threats against many of our colonies, especially Florida and Cuba. The pirates are also well placed to attack crucial shipping lines that Spain needs to supply both the colonies and the Navy itself, and their ranks are only swelling now that sailors who were put out of work by the end of the War of Spanish succession turn to piracy to make money. As distasteful as it may be to some delegates, an alliance with the other two naval powers may be necessary to scale down the pirate threat.

Another possible path of action is to develop ships and crews within the Spanish Navy that are specifically designed to target and take out pirates. A smaller, more mobile fleet of pirate-hunters, the leader of which would need to be appointed by the council, could do more damage to the pirates than the traditional buildup of arms would. The Spanish Navy’s best engineers and shipbuilders would need to be involved, and it might take resources away from the interests of other delegates, but as of now, the Navy has failed to capture nearly enough

35 Rediker, Villains of All Nations, 2536 Rediker, Villains of All Nations, 30

pirate ships to compensate the losses from attacks against us.

Other courses open to the council are to focus on reinforcing colonial defenses, try to manipulate or strike a deal with pirates themselves, or weaken the British and Dutch Navies so that they are easier targets for the pirates, diverting attention from our colonies. Delegate Influences and Relations withPirates

Almost all of the delegates in this council have great antipathy towards all pirates due to the long and violent history of pirate attacks on the Spanish Navy financed by the British, French, and Dutch. However, some delegates have personal histories that affect their perceptions and plans revolving pirate interactions.

Juan de Ayala y Escobar, Lieutenant Governor of Florida, and Amaro Rodriguez Felipe both have experience aboard merchant ships and with privateers, so they hold the most potential connections to members of the Pirate Council. Although neither is necessarily a friend to pirates, both have better understanding of who the pirates are and how they operate, and may be able to exploit their connections to better either themselves or the Spanish Navy as a whole. Fernando de Alencastre has also favored the use of pirate ships to increase trade in the past. He has little experience with privateering himself, but believes that pirates loyal to himself will be more flexible and capable than the bulky bureaucracy of the Spanish Crown.

Many of the regional colonial leaders, especially Doctor Diego Ladron de Guevara, Viceroy of Peru, and Francisco de Corcoles y Martinez, Governor of Florida, have had to weather numerous attacks by pirates in their colonies, causing significant loss of property and life. Colonial interests therefore tend promote a no-tolerance policy

17

towards pirates, and favor fortifications and increased troop presence to protect their towns. Other delegates with prime interest in trade and shipping, such as Don Juan Esteban de Ubilla, Don Antonio de Echeverz y Zubiza, and Restaino Cantelmo-Stuart, fear pirates for their ability to interrupt trade lines and supply chains. They will be particularly focused on trying to find ways to protect Spanish ships at sea from pirate attacks.

ColonizationMediterraneanEmpire

In result of the War of Spanish Succession, the Peace of Utrecht apportioned Spanish territories to other regimes. Savory acquired Sicily and Milan, and controlled the resulting trade lines. With connection to Northern Africa, reacquiring Sicily can serve as an opportunity to expand trade. The Roman and Austrian empires obtained Naples and the Spanish Netherlands. Areas in Naples and additional parts of southern Italy can continue to increase resource banks, and political power within the Spanish Empire. Integration of Spanish officials into Mediterranean countries increases Spanish influence and control over the country's trading and foreign policies. Maintaining current colonial expansion in the Mediterranean is crucial to establishing a dominant trading position. The committee will need to address widespread colonization throughout the Mediterranean to facilitate additional trade and acquire much needed resources from the Middle East, Africa, and other parts of Asia. NewWorld

Territories in the New World provide prospects in obtaining resources such as new land, metals, and a labor force. The integration of the Spanish Empires into settled Native American lands increase as disease and developed technology over

shadow the underdeveloped weaponry of the natives. Dominance over the great Aztec and Inca Empires in 1519 created a foundational regime to expand in other New World areas. One of the most important colonies of Spain includes New Spain. New Spain comprised previously conquered Aztecs and had significant gold reserves. The Spanish Catholic Church serves as the key investor in the area to circulate the capital in the economy. Through loans and investments into landowners, New Spain utilized slavery as a labor force to continue production. Miners and merchants circulated raw resources across the Atlantic and return wealth to the Spanish Empire. Peru, another important colony, provided the Spanish Empire with tremendous resources in metals particularly silver. The coasts of Peru contributed to active sea ports used for trade. However, as disease rages through these south American colonies, the population takes a toll. Smallpox and other diseases served as inherent biological weapons that continue to weaken other natives. Yet, colonies of the New World provide Spain with agricultural resources and land to develop cash crops with the use of enslaved labor. A concern to recognize in the midst of the conquering fiasco is that culture and cities are being extinguished, which ignites aggressive revolts from the natives. The committee will need to address measures to ensure successful colonization across the Atlantic.

As a result of depopulation of the New World and of humanitarian movements of the 1500s, the supply of native laborers is rather low. Indian laborers can be observed primarily in the western coast of South America, in the silver and mercury mines at Potosi and Lima. These people act under the mita system, in which natives are required to work (with pay) for a certain portion of the year under Spanish land-owners. However, this system is rife with corruption; the

18

excessive charging by landlords for expenses like food and shelter often leaves workers (and their descendants) in inescapable debt.

As a result of this labor shortage, slavery has become a much simpler and more profitable venture for obtaining the New World’s resources. Purchasing from Portuguese and British traders, slaves form a large portion of the agricultural and mining economy, as well as playing a significant role in the colonies’ defense. However, the aftermath of the War of the Spanish Succession has given Britain control over the Spanish slave trade. This committee will have to address the future of coerced labor in the Americas, working to limit Britain’s hold while supporting a fragile resource economy.

With its close proximity to Chinese merchants and extensive resources, the Philippines and surrounding islands serves as an important nexus in Spain’s global trade network. This Pacific triangular trade is concentrated in the travels of Manila Galleons (also dubbed the “Nao de China” or “Nao de Acapulco”). These ships sent New World silver to China in exchange for luxuries, particularly silk and porcelain, which were shipped back to Spain37 (This is currently restricted to two ship voyages per year as part of monopoly protection measures for the Casa de Contrataction, Spain’s main trade and colonization agency).38 However, this trade establishment has come with a side-effect of the possibility of Chinese incursions into Spanish territory. The resultant tension has boiled over several

37 Hecht, Johanna. "The Manila Galleons." The Met, Oct. 2003, www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/mgtr/hd_mgtr.htm. Accessed 29 Oct. 2016. 38 Mann, Charles C. 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created. New York: Knopf, 2011. Print.

times; many on the islands still remember the Chinese Revolt of 1662, where reaction to the threat of invasion by the pirate lord Koxinga led to the massacre of hundreds of Chinese civilians in Manila.39

The encomienda framework also sees service on the islands, dubbed polo y servicio (literally, poles and service). Mobilized by local governments, males between the ages of 15 and 60 are mandated to work for 40 days out of the year for an encomendero under threat of significant fine. Corruption and mistreatment are frequent. In 1650, orders for Waray laborers to be sent away to Cavite shipyards sparked the Sumuroy rebellion, a brief but bloody attempt at Philippine sovereignty ending in the deaths of every conspirator.40

As in the Atlantic colonies, ethnic divisions between Spanish officials and natives are deep-seated, often leading to conflict. In recent years, several revolts have been mounted by babaylans (Filipino mystics) in response to the stripping of their prestige by Catholicism, in particular the 1663 Panay Revolt, a.k.a. Tapar Revolt led by Tapar, one such babaylan turned Catholic cult-leader. This revolution, again, ended in death for the leaders, either by bullet, by impaling, or by crocodiles.41 39 "The Threat of Koxinga's Invasion of the Philippines in 1662." The Kahimyang Project, kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1588/ the-threat-of-koxingas-invasion-of-the-philippines-in-1662. 40 "A Detailed Account of the Sumuroy Rebellion as Told by a Spaniard." The Kahimyang Project, 9 Nov. 2014, kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/736/a-detailed-account-of-the-sumuroy-rebellion-as-told-by-a-spaniard. Accessed29 Oct. 2016.

41 Funtecha, Henry F. "The Tapar Uprising in Oton, Iloilo." The News Today, 9 Feb.

2007, www.thenewstoday.info/2007/02/09/

the.tapar.uprising.in.oton.iloilo.html. Accessed 29 Oct. 2016.

19

Several key issues remain for the future of the Philippines. Growing pressure from the British, Dutch and Chinese threaten Spain’s position in the trade network. Success for the council will necessitate establishing Spain as either a dominant or integral power in the Far East. Moreover, Spain’s continued hold on the Philippines will require some resolution to the ethnic conflicts, either through reform or through suppression.

QuestionstheCommitteeMustAddress

● Which of these councils can be the Spanish Empire’s greatest threat?

● What steps can be taken to mitigate or undermine Britain’s control on Spanish trading, particularly in slaves?

● How should Spanish Atlantic holdings be fortified and/or extended to counter British expansion?

● What actions should be taken in forming Catholic alliances against Protestant nations like Great Britain?

● How does the Dutch Navy compare to the Spanish Navy?

● What kind of strategies can the Spanish Navy utilize to overtake the Dutch?

● What are our greatest vulnerabilities and strengths with regards to the pirates?

● Where should we allocate our limited resources?

● Who should be responsible for leading certain initiatives against the pirates?

● To what extent could we work with other councils to combat the pirates?

● What are the Spanish Empire’s most important colonies?

● How can the Spanish Empire expand its colonial dominance and utilize its resources to ultimately win naval dominance?

ConcludingRemarks

The committee will need to resolve dynamic situations that arise from the three other committees. In order to establish naval dominance, the Spanish Navy will need to strategically over power the other powers. Delegates will need to work with each other and critically think to create a new era of the Spanish Empire.

AppendixIII. Colonial Distribution Map in SouthAmerica42

42https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Non-Native_American_Nations_Control_over_South_America_1700_and_on.gif

20

II. Colonial Distribution Map in NorthAmerica43

43https://mrwerner.wordpress.com/unit-3-

our-colonial-heritage/