The Crisis of Enlightenment

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The end of the Early Modern period saw Spain’s continual decline, which had started in the 17^th century due to unceasing warfare, excessive taxation, and poor governance. The next century began with the Spanish War of Succession, which ultimately saw a branch of the French ruling family, the Bourbons, take the throne. Still, Spain remained plagued by economic problems. The Enlightenment movement also took hold in the 18^th century, and with it new inspection and criticism of the national values and direction of Spanish society.