Opposing peace: English political pamphlets against the Treaty of Madrid in 1630

Abstract

In November 1630 the Treaty of Madrid was signed between Philip IV, king of Spain, and Charles I, king of England. During the peace negotiations several pamphlets critical of the pro-Spanish policy of Charles I were printed in England. These publications contributed to the development of an increasing criticism of Charles I, by identifying his neutral European policy with pro-Spanish policies. The anti-Spanish and anti-Catholic rhetoric, which formed the basis of this criticism, was used to promote an aggressive foreign policy and consequently an active opposition to the king. The following pamphlets are discussed in this paper: Considerations Touching a Warre with Spaine; The Merchandises of Popish Priests; The English Spanish Pilgrim; Further Observations of the English Spanish Pilgrim; The Practise of Princes; The Present Estate of Spayne; and Three Severall Treatises Concerning the Truce.