The history of Mallorca ... (7/9)

In this century the Mediterranean - especially the Balearics - loose more and more its importance for the trade.
Since the discovery of America in 1492 through Columbus the trade is concentrated more and more at the spanish Atlantic coast.

1551: Begin of construction of the last protection walls around Palma. But these were finished 250 later. The town grew and the protection walls were not neccessary anymore.

Century of pest epidemics and years of hunger in Mallorca.

Felipe de Bourbón ascends to the throne.
Beginning of the War of Succession.
But not all Mallorcans were on of Felipe V. side - most of the aristocrats supported Carl of Austria.

Two years after the begin of the war between Felipe V. and Carl of Austria a british fleet arrived in the bay of Palma to help Felipe against the Austrians.

Troops loyal to Felipe V arrive on Mallorca. In an attack the french Bourbon General Chevalier d'Asphelt conquers the defenceless island for Felipe V.
The islands Grand and General Council is replaced by an "Audience" supervised by the Captain General of the king's troops, while the use of Castillan is made obligatory for all official transactions.

1785: Treaty of Algiers signed, establishing the Mallorcan "corsairs" who are given permission by the king to defend their homeland against pirates.

The most famous of these is Captain Antoni Barceló, who later becomes Lieutenant General of the Spanish Armada.

The War of Independence against the invading troops of Napoleon.

Refugees arrive on the islands, provoking social and political unrest.

1806: The former kingdom of Mallorca looses all privileges because of new laws from Philipp V.
The name "La Ciutat de Mallorca" - the name of Palma since 1276 - is changed in the todays name "Palma de Mallorca".