regalist

Regalism is a doctrine asserting royal supremacy, particularly in church affairs. In 18th-century Spain, under Charles III, regalist civil servants aimed to increase royal control over the Catholic Church. While devoted Catholics, they believed the state should manage charity and education, and that priests should be subject to civil law for civil crimes.12

This philosophy influenced reforms that sought to remove traditional constraints on economic growth and streamline royal power. However, these reforms faced challenges from entrenched privileges and societal attitudes. The expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767 was a significant action by regalists, who viewed the order with suspicion. Despite these efforts, Spain experienced economic and political decline in the 17th century, marked by population decrease and military casualties.23