The Old Regime, Enlightenment, and Spanish Succession
The Old Regime: Economic, Political, and Social Structures
The Old Regime was characterized by:
- Economic: Commercial activities
- Political: Absolutism
- Social: Estates system
The Enlightenment: Challenging the Old Order
The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement that questioned the principles of the Old Regime. Key figures included John Locke, Isaac Newton, Montesquieu, and Voltaire.
Absolute Monarchy: The King’s Unlimited Power
In an absolute monarchy, the king held absolute power without accountability. State councils and parliaments were consulted, but the king’s decision was final. Examples include Charles I of England, Philip V of Spain, and Ferdinand VI of Spain.
Parliamentary Monarchy: Limiting Royal Power
Parliamentary monarchy involved a division of powers, with a parliament limiting the king’s power and controlling the tax system. An example is William of Orange.
Stratified Society: Privileged vs. Unprivileged
Society was divided into classes, with two main groups: the privileged (nobility and clergy) and the unprivileged (bourgeoisie, lower clergy, urban working classes, and peasants).
The Encyclopedia: A Repository of Enlightenment Thought
The Encyclopedia aimed to compile all knowledge of the time, based on reason, and to freely disseminate enlightened ideas. Key figures involved were Diderot and D’Alembert.
Enlightened Despotism: Absolute Power with Reform
Many European monarchs continued to exercise absolute power but adopted certain reforms, such as reforming education, modernizing agriculture, developing manufacturing, and partially liberalizing production and trade. An example is Carlos III.
The Enlightenment in Spain: Economic Growth and Social Reform
In Spain, a group of enlightened thinkers emerged, focusing on economic growth, social reform, improving education, and modernizing Spanish culture. Examples include Grimaldi, Squillace, Floridablanca, Campomanes, Aranda, Jorellanas, and Olavide.
War of the Spanish Succession: A Clash for the Throne
Archduke Charles of Austria opposed Philip V’s claim to the Spanish throne, leading to the War of the Spanish Succession. Castile supported the Bourbon kings, while Aragon did not. Charles inherited the Austrian crown, and the Treaty of Utrecht ended the conflict, recognizing Philip V as King of Spain.
Spanish Monarchs in the 18th Century
The Spanish throne was held by Philip V, Ferdinand VI, Charles III, and Charles IV during the 18th century.
Decrees of Nueva Planta: Centralizing Power
The king imposed uniform laws and administration, homogenizing institutions. The Decrees of Nueva Planta imposed the Castilian administrative system throughout the crown lands. The territory was divided into provinces with captains general and audiencias (courts) for justice administration.
Carlos III and Reforms in Madrid
Carlos III implemented progressive reforms, including:
- Asserting royal authority over the church, leading to the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain.
- Building new schools and reforming university education.
- Declaring all professions honorable.
- Promoting and protecting economic societies.
- Limiting the privileges of the Mesta (sheepherders’ guild) and promoting colonization of new lands.
- Liberalizing wheat prices.
- Declaring freedom of trade with America.
The Industrial Revolution in Britain
The Demographic Revolution
- Causes: Increased production and progress in health and medicine.
- Consequences: Decreased mortality and increased birth rates.
The Agricultural Revolution
- Causes: Land privatization and new methods and cultivation techniques.
- Consequences: Increased demand and soaring agricultural prices.