Pedro Rodríguez, Count of Campomanes, Spanish economist and politician (b. 1723)

Pedro Rodríguez de Campomanes y Pérez, 1st Count of Campomanes (1 July 1723 – 3 February 1802), was a towering figure in 18th-century Spain, renowned as an influential statesman, pioneering economist, and prolific writer. His extensive career at the highest echelons of government cemented his legacy as a leading proponent of the Spanish Enlightenment, particularly under the reign of King Charles III.

Early Career and Economic Vision

Campomanes's intellectual prowess and commitment to public service were evident early on. In 1760, he ascended to the pivotal position of Minister of the Treasury, a role that placed him at the heart of Spain's financial and economic reforms. As an economist, he was deeply influenced by the Enlightenment principles, advocating for policies aimed at modernizing Spain's agrarian economy, promoting industry, and fostering commerce. He believed that economic prosperity was intrinsically linked to national power and stability, pushing for measures that would liberate trade and stimulate domestic production, often challenging traditional restrictive practices.

Adherence to Erastianism and State Supremacy

A defining characteristic of Campomanes's political philosophy was his firm adherence to Erastianism, the doctrine asserting the supremacy of the civil authority over the ecclesiastical. This perspective held that the state possessed ultimate jurisdiction in matters concerning the Church, especially when it impacted temporal affairs or the interests of the Crown. In an age where the Catholic Church wielded immense power and influence, Campomanes championed the idea that the monarch's authority should be paramount, advocating for reforms that would curtail the Church's vast privileges and bring its institutions more firmly under state control. This stance was central to the broader Bourbon reforms, which sought to strengthen the absolute monarchy by asserting royal power over all national institutions, including religious ones.

A Key Architect of Charles III's Reforms

Campomanes was an indispensable member of the progressive government of King Charles III (reigned 1759–1788), a period often considered the zenith of enlightened absolutism in Spain. Alongside other reform-minded ministers like Floridablanca and Aranda, he played a crucial role in implementing a sweeping agenda of administrative, economic, and social reforms designed to revive the Spanish Empire. These reforms aimed to centralize power, rationalize the bureaucracy, improve education, and foster a more prosperous and equitable society, all while maintaining the absolute authority of the Crown. Campomanes's contributions were particularly significant in areas related to economic development, public administration, and the delicate balance of power between church and state.

The Expulsion of the Jesuits: A Defining Act

Perhaps Campomanes's most impactful and controversial action was his central role in the expulsion of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) from Spain and its territories in 1767. A staunch anti-Jesuit, he harbored a deep conviction that the order posed a significant threat to the authority of the Crown and the stability of the state. His animosity stemmed from several factors:

• Their immense wealth and economic influence.
• Their perceived political independence and direct allegiance to the Pope, which often seemed to bypass royal authority.
• Their control over a significant portion of the education system, which gave them considerable influence over the intellectual and political elite.
• Their alleged involvement in popular uprisings, such as the Esquilache Riot of 1766, which deeply unnerved the monarchy.

As one of the biggest foes of the order, Campomanes was the main driving force behind the systematic campaign that led to their swift and decisive expulsion. This monumental decision, implemented across the Spanish Empire, not only aimed to eliminate a perceived challenge to royal absolutism but also allowed the Crown to seize the vast assets of the Jesuits, which were then used to fund state initiatives. The expulsion had profound long-term effects on Spanish education, intellectual life, and the relationship between church and state.

Frequently Asked Questions about Campomanes

Who was Pedro Rodríguez de Campomanes y Pérez?

He was a prominent Spanish statesman, economist, and writer from the 18th century, serving as Minister of the Treasury in 1760 and a key advisor during the reformist reign of King Charles III. He is remembered for his Enlightenment-era policies and his instrumental role in the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain.

What was Campomanes's role in Charles III's government?

As a crucial member of King Charles III's cabinet, Campomanes was a leading architect of the Bourbon Reforms, advocating for economic modernization, administrative centralization, and the assertion of royal authority over ecclesiastical power. His work aimed to strengthen the Spanish state and promote national prosperity.

What is Erastianism, and how did it influence Campomanes?

Erastianism is the political doctrine asserting that the state has ultimate authority over ecclesiastical matters, particularly concerning the administration and governance of the Church. Campomanes was a strong adherent of this view, believing that the Crown's power should supersede that of the Church in Spain, a principle that guided many of his reforms and his actions against the Jesuit order.

Why was Campomanes a driving force behind the Jesuit expulsion?

Campomanes viewed the Society of Jesus as a significant threat to the absolute power of the Spanish Crown. He believed their immense wealth, influence, educational control, and perceived allegiance to the Papacy over the monarch undermined state authority. His deep anti-Jesuit convictions, coupled with allegations of their involvement in political unrest, made him the primary architect of their expulsion from Spain and its territories in 1767.