Description:
(King of Spain from 1665 to 1700)
Charles II of Spain was the last ruler of the Habsburg dynasty, a powerful dynasty that destroyed itself through inbreeding. Also known as “the Bewitched” or “El Hechizado,” Charles II is mostly remembered for his ill-health that led to his death at the age of 38, without any heir. His physical disabilities were believed to be the result of inbreeding. His ancestors preferred to marry their cousins or nieces. Charles’s father was his mother’s uncle. Throughout his life, he could not speak properly due to his over-sized tongue. He could not walk properly because his legs did not support his body. He had a distorted face. He suffered from diarrhoea throughout his life. One of his wives claimed he was impotent. He could never recover and eventually died. According to his will, his successor was Philip of Anjou, the grandson of Louis XIV. There was a lot of dispute over the succession, and it eventually led to the War of the Spanish Succession in 1701. The war ended via the ‘Treaty of Utrecht,’ with Austria victoriously claiming a lot of territories.
Birthday
November 6, 0 (Scorpio)
Alternative names
Charles II Bewitched, El Hechizado
City
Madrid, Spain
Died on
November 1, 0
Spouse/Ex-
Maria Anna of Neuburg (m. 1690–1700), Marie Louise d’Orléans (m. 1679–1689)
Relatives
Balthasar Charles, Ferdinand Thomas Charles of Austria, Francis Ferdinand of Austria, Infante of Spain, John of Austria the Younger, Margaret Theresa of Spain, Maria Theresa of Spain, Philip Prospero, Prince of Asturias
What was the significance of Charles II of Spain's reign?
Charles II's reign was marked by decline and instability due to his physical and mental health issues, leading to the end of the Spanish Habsburg dynasty.
What were the consequences of Charles II's inbreeding?
Charles II's extensive inbreeding led to numerous health issues, including physical deformities, mental disabilities, and infertility, which contributed to the decline of the Spanish monarchy.
How did Charles II's poor health impact his rule?
Charles II's poor health, including physical and mental disabilities, made him incapable of effective governance, leading to a power vacuum and increased influence of his advisors and foreign powers.
What were the major challenges faced by Charles II of Spain during his reign?
Charles II faced challenges such as internal rebellions, economic decline, foreign invasions, and the weakening of Spanish power in Europe, all exacerbated by his own physical and mental health issues.
How did Charles II's reign contribute to the War of Spanish Succession?
Charles II's death without a clear successor and the power struggles surrounding the Spanish throne led to the War of Spanish Succession, where European powers fought for control over the Spanish Empire.
