POLICYMAKING UNDER PRESSURE

The devastating exploits of the Flanders armada in 1625 provided a fitting culmination to what had already been a triumphant year for Spanish arms by land and sea. It was a veritable annus mirabilis for a society which expected and thrived on miracles, and the ostentatious procession of the court from palace to church to hear a Te Deum of thanks for the latest success became a routine sight for the citizens of Madrid and Brussels. If the Spanish System here reached its apogee – a conclusion which, given the extent of its global effusion of energies, is difficult to resist – then it follows inevitably that decline was contingent upon achievement.

In the royal speech to the Cortes of Castile, meeting in 1626, Philip and Olivares once again deliberately chose to dwell longest and with the greatest ornament on their naval victories. Of course, this tactic had the benefit of bringing home to the restive delegates how the hard-won treasure and taxes of the kingdom has been effectively disbursed in their protection and the service of God. But enthusiasm was also inspired by the fact that the glories of his Armadas reflected the greatness of the royal person, and the wisdom and energy of his minister – in a word, that quality of reputatión so germane to the exercise of authority.