18th Century Spanish Political and Cultural Landscape: A Historical Overview
18th Century Spanish Political and Cultural Landscape
Political and Cultural Decline
The 18th century witnessed a decline in Spain’s political, military, economic, and cultural spheres. Following the death of Carlos II in 1700, the War of the Spanish Succession erupted, leading to the reign of Felipe V and the dawn of the Bourbon dynasty.
Felipe V and the Bourbon Dynasty
Felipe V reorganized the administration and improved the economy. He fostered French cultural influence, established new schools, and surrounded himself with international technicians and scientists. His reign saw the founding of institutions like the National Library, the Royal Academy of Medicine, the Academy of History, and the Botanical Garden.
Fernando VI and Carlos III
Fernando VI and Carlos III continued efforts to elevate Spain’s standing in Europe. They promoted agriculture and industry, and implemented urban improvements. Their policies towards Latin America were notably more humane and liberal.
Carlos IV and the End of the Century
The century concluded with the reign of Carlos IV. This period saw the rise of the ilustrados (enlightened thinkers) who advocated for reason and societal reform.
The Rise of the Essayists
The essayists of the 18th century, also known as the ilustrados, wrote with a didactic purpose, emphasizing principles like decency, virtue, and moral rectitude. Popular genres included criticism, essays, and literature with a moral focus. Clarity of style was paramount to ensure accessibility for a broad audience.
Key Figures of the Spanish Enlightenment
Feijoo
Fray Benito Jerónimo Feijoo y Montenegro, a Galician monk, was a highly respected figure known for his vast knowledge. Considered the father of the Spanish essay, he explored a wide range of intellectual topics and championed the use of reason in the pursuit of truth. His notable works include:
- “Universal Critical Theatre”
- “Learned and Curious Letters”
- “He Did Not Know What”
- “Reason of Taste” (which foreshadowed Romantic ideals)
José Cadalso
Born in Cadiz, José Cadalso received a comprehensive education in humanities and sciences. A poet and soldier, he balanced military life with literary pursuits and is considered a precursor to Romanticism. His most significant work, “Moroccan Letters,” employs the narrative device of a traveler observing and critiquing the realities of Spain through letters written to a friend.
Through the perspectives of three characters – two Moroccans (Gazel and Ben-Beley) and a Spaniard (Nuno) – Cadalso offers a satirical critique of Spanish society. He criticizes political missteps, the pride of the nobility, the power of the clergy, the neglect of trade and industry, and the frivolity of some Spanish youth. He advocates for truth, hard work, and national renewal.
Jovellanos
Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, born in Gijon, studied law and held various positions in the courts of Seville and Madrid. After a period of exile, he became Minister of Grace and Justice. A dedicated observer of his time, he devoted himself to addressing the pressing issues of the day. He authored numerous reports on economic and educational policies, earning him recognition as a leading polymath of the 18th century.
Jovellanos’s work reflects a deep concern for Spain’s progress and a commitment to Enlightenment ideals. His key themes include:
- Material Progress: His “Report on the Agrarian Law” examined obstacles to agricultural development and proposed solutions.
- Public Education: He advocated for cultural and moral education, as seen in his “General Plan of Public Education.”
- Cultural History: His works explored the history of Spanish entertainment, theater, and art, including “Memory for the Settlement of Police Shows” and “In Praise of the Fine Arts.”
- Politics: His “Memory in Defense of the Central Board” defended the board against accusations of corruption and highlighted his own patriotism and integrity.
Jovellanos’s prose, characterized by clarity and elegance, exemplifies the best of 18th-century writing. His didactic style, devoid of excessive ornamentation, effectively conveyed his message of national renewal and progress.