A quien toca por derecho : justifier depuis la chaire la succession royale espagnole au tournant du XVIIIe siècle

Abstract

Since it was not natural, the succession of Charles II was at the center of European political issues in more or less open diplomatic tensions in the last years of his reign. Far from appeasing hearts, the testament called for a real operation of public persuasion to create consensus around the designation of the Duke of Anjou as heir to the Hispanic Monarchy. The funeral then offered a suitable platform for the mediators of power who, together, strove to reassure the faithful about monarchical continuity promised despite the dynastic change. From the various territories of the Crown, many preachers spoke not so much to pay homage to the deceased king as to legitimize, by means of not only religious but legal arguments, the French succession on the Spanish throne. For the law based on the monarchical tradition and the royal will to be accepted by all, it was necessary to demonstrate collective pedagogy.

Keywords

• Charles II
• law
• succession
• testament
• funeral preaching
• Philip V