Political conflict and pacification in the War of the Spanish Succession: the Palermo Revolt of 1708

Abstract

This chapter unravels the pacification process following the 1708Palermo revolt, a pivotal moment in the War of the Spanish Succession. It was characterized by the paramount importance of loyalty and the preservation of the Crown’s structure in Habsburg dominions embroiled in the War of the Spanish Succession. By dissecting the methods, objectives, and principles of the individuals involved in pacifying the city, a deeper understanding of the political culture and policy-making endeavors of the Bourbon government emerges. This analysis provides valuable insights into the breadth of policies implemented by the Bourbon courts in Madrid and Paris to bolster the King’s absolute authority. These policies were portrayed by the royal authorities as essential imperatives driven by wartime exigencies, significantly impacting the relationship between the King and the Kingdom of Sicily, which maintained ties to the Habsburgs through a mutual pact. Through an exploration of these dynamics, this chapter sheds light on the intricate interplay between power dynamics, political strategies, and diplomatic relations during this transformative period at the beginning of the eighteenth century.