16th-18th Century Europe: Demographics, Society, and Politics
Sixteenth-Century Demographic Situation
In Early Modern Europe, the population grew from 50 million to 110 million. The 16th century was a period of demographic growth. The 17th century, however, saw a population decline due to economic crisis and war. The 18th century initially followed the trends of the previous century but then began a period of continuous population growth. Demographic growth had a particular impact on cities.
The Flourishing of Social Estates
At the beginning of the Modern Era in Europe, feudal society persisted, and privilege was maintained. The nobility remained the most privileged sector, though their power was limited by the rise of monarchical absolutism. The monarchy reduced the power of the nobles. The bourgeoisie demonstrated their power by increasing spending on palaces and meals, which led to financial problems. To protect the assets of the nobility, the maiorazko system was created in the 16th century. This system prevented the sale or distribution of family assets, ensuring that the eldest son remained the owner of the land. In England and the Netherlands, a small group of nobles engaged in trade.
Political Evolution of the Basque Country
Modern developments:
- In 1512, Castile invaded the Kingdom of Navarre. The Kingdom of Navarre was then limited to lands north of the Pyrenees. Jeanne III of Navarre, through marriage, linked the Albret dynasty to the Bourbon dynasty, making them heirs to the royal title of King of Navarre and France. In 1620, Louis XIII of France added the Kingdom of Navarre to the French crown.
- Provincial collections, which began in the Middle Ages, were mostly written in the modern era. The increasing regional structure and high level of autonomy of the states affected public interests.
Unprivileged Social Classes
The unprivileged classes comprised different levels:
- Bourgeoisie: Trade and growth in the city increased the influence of the bourgeoisie. The number of artisans and merchants increased in importance. Boat owners entered the economic middle class but were unable to attain various positions and privileges. Impoverished nobles married into or purchased titles from the king, leading to many converts.
- Peasants: Agriculture was the primary economic basis. Land was owned by a very few nobles and religious institutions in the Basque Country, and land ownership was very scattered, indicating small land sizes. The further away from the coast, the greater the strength of the large landowners. Tenant farmers faced high pressure from landowners seeking to increase income, leading many farmers to emigrate to America or the cities of Castile.
- Socially Excluded: Many people were outside the social structure, including farmers who had lost their land, Jews, Moors, Gypsies, and the Agote in the Basque Country.
The Rise of Absolutist Monarchy: The Example of Spain
The Catholic Monarchs and Charles I (Emperor Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire) took steps towards an authoritarian monarchy in Spain. The Catholic King and Queen were much more powerful and had more control, but they were far from achieving absolutism because it was difficult to control all the land.