Renaissance to Enlightenment: Power Shifts & Societal Change
Humanism
A cultural and intellectual Renaissance movement emphasizing secular concerns through the study of ancient Greece and Rome. It focused on human potential rather than religion.
Absolute Monarchy
A system where a king holds complete power, often claiming divine right, without needing approval from other groups like the government, church, or nobles.
Enlightenment
An 18th-century philosophical movement emphasizing reason to challenge doctrines and traditions, leading to humanitarian reforms.
Enlightened Despotism
A form of absolute monarchy where rulers were influenced by Enlightenment principles, such as rationality, religious tolerance, freedom of speech, and property rights. They often fostered arts, sciences, and education.
Political Ideas
Enlightenment opposed absolutism and promoted liberalism.
Montesquieu
Advocated for the separation of powers, emphasizing judicial independence.
Rousseau
Defined the social contract, a pact among citizens establishing the principle of a sovereign nation where power comes from the consent of the governed, expressed through voting.
Voltaire
Argued for parliamentary limits on royal power and a fairer tax system, not exclusively burdening the people.
The Society of Estates
Unequal Society
Divided into two groups: Privileged (nobility and clergy) and Unprivileged (third estate). It was a closed society based on birth, with little social mobility.
The Privileged
- Nobility and higher clergy owned most land and were tax-exempt.
- They collected taxes from those living on their land.
- Clergy lived on income from their holdings and a 10% tax on peasants.
- Higher clergy enjoyed noble-like luxuries, while lower clergy lived modestly.
The Non-Privileged
The third estate comprised 90-95% of the population, with diverse economic and social groups. They sought civil equality. The bourgeoisie (artisans, merchants, bankers) grew wealthier but lacked political influence. Urban classes included manual workers. Farmers, the largest group, faced harsh conditions, working the land of the privileged and paying heavy taxes.
House of Lords
Nobles and clergy.
House of Commons
Bourgeoisie and city representatives.
British Revolutions
In the 17th century, the Stuart dynasty attempted to rule without Parliament, leading to civil war. Charles I was executed in 1649, and a republic was declared, which Oliver Cromwell turned into a military dictatorship. After Cromwell’s death in 1660, the monarchy was restored, with Charles II accepting parliamentary control. The 1679 Habeas Corpus Act guaranteed individual freedom from imprisonment without trial. The 1689 revolution ended Stuart rule, with Parliament offering the crown to William of Orange, who swore to the Bill of Rights. England became the first country to limit monarchical power, with a sovereign constrained by Parliament and an independent judiciary. Citizens were guaranteed individual freedoms.
An Expanding Economy
The 18th century saw relative peace and economic growth. Population increased due to fewer epidemics, new crops, and better economic conditions. Monarchies boosted growth through agricultural and trade reforms. Maritime trade with non-European territories experienced significant expansion.