Abstract:
The War of Spanish Succession had a profound impact on the political history of the Iberian country. It was a traumatic process, with ongoing effects, as we could see recently in Catalonia. The book reviewed here explores the beginning of this process, focusing on the political activity and life ofMelchor Macanaz , one of the leading ministers of Philip V. As the author of several initiatives that weakened regional autonomies and strengthened royal power, Macanaz made multiple enemies, who overthrew him from power and drove him away from Spain. His memory would later be retrieved and politically used.
Keywords:
Absolutism; War of the Spanish Succession; Bourbon Reforms; Intermediate groups; Uses of Memory