Unit 1. The Ancien Régime and The Enlightenment
Unit 1. The Ancien Régime and The Enlightenment
Unit 1. The Ancien Régime and The Enlightenment
The Ancien
Rgime and the
Enlightenment
to
predominate in Western Europe. It was called absolute
because the crowd had unlimited authority, which was
believed to come from God
The model for absolute monarchy was Louis XIV of
France (1673-1715). He exerted his authority in various
ways: he did not call the Estates General, so that it
would not be able to limit his power. He also controlled
the government and intervened in the economy,
introducing protectionist measures.
In contrast, Spains power began to decline during
the 17th-century reigns of the Lesser Hapsburgs (Felipe
III, Felipe IV and Carlos II). The main cause of this
decline was Spains defeat in the Thirty Years War,
which led to significant territorial losses, including that
of the United Provinces.
th
5. Enlightened Despotism
Enlightenment despotism was a new form
of government that developed in some
European countries in the 18th century. Its
objective was to combine absolute monarchy
(despotism) with enlightenment ideas aimed
at modernizing the country and improving
peoples wellbeing.
Enlightened despots had the following
characteristics.
- They maintained their absolute power
through
centralized
governments
that
implemented their policies.
- They appointed Enlightenment thinkers
to important positions, for example as royal
ministers.
8. 18th-century society
During the 18th century, the population of
Europe increased steadily. This was due to
improved nutrition and hygiene, a reduction
in the number of epidemics and scientific
advances.
All
these
factors
reduced
mortality.
In Spain, this period saw the beginning of
a demographic trend that continues today.
Higher population density in the periphery of
the Iberian Peninsula and lower population
density in the interior with the exception of
Madrid.
European society continued to be based
on the estates system, but Enlightenment
thinkers wanted to introduce reforms.