17th Century Europe: Absolute Monarchies, War, and Society
Europe in the 17th Century: The Baroque Period
The 17th century in Europe is often referred to as the Baroque period, a time of significant political, economic, and social change.
Absolute Monarchy: France
France exemplified absolute monarchy, where the King held all power: legislative, executive, and judicial. During the reign of Louis XIV, the administration became more professional, the army was modernized, and mercantilism was applied through the creation of manufacturing industries. France became the most powerful country in Europe.
Parliamentary Monarchy: England
England developed a parliamentary monarchy. Key figures included Charles I, Oliver Cromwell, James II, Charles II, and William of Orange. William III signed the Bill of Rights, establishing the first parliamentary monarchy in history.
The Thirty Years’ War
The Thirty Years’ War involved the Habsburg dynasty and German Protestant princes. It ended with the Peace of Westphalia. Spain lost its domination of Europe and recognized the independence of the Northern Provinces of the Netherlands.
Economy in Crisis
The 17th century saw a serious economic crisis across Europe.
Agriculture
Agricultural productivity was very low, leading to bad harvests and increased prices for cereals.
Craftwork
Guilds controlled craft production, but the domestic system grew. Luxurious products were in demand.
Foreign Trade
Foreign trade grew significantly, with England and the United Provinces vying for control of Asia and America.
Society
European society was structured in a hierarchical manner.
Nobility
The nobility increased as kings sold titles.
Clergy
The clergy also increased as more people joined the church.
High Bourgeoisie
Bankers gained more influence by lending money to monarchs.
Petite Bourgeoisie
These were members of the administration serving the kings.
Apprentices and Journeymen
They defended their rights against the masters.
Peasants
The lives of peasants worsened, leading to poverty and begging.
Baroque Spain
Felipe III
Felipe III expelled the Moriscos, which had a negative effect on agriculture and craftwork. The Duke of Lerma, as valido, made peace with France and England and addressed the rebel provinces of the Netherlands.
Felipe IV
Under Felipe IV, the Duke of Olivares, also a valido, sought contributions from all kingdoms to support the Crown and army, leading to rebellions in Catalonia and Portugal. Conflict renewed in the Netherlands, and Spain participated in the Thirty Years’ War. After the Peace of Westphalia, fighting with France continued until the Peace of the Pyrenees was signed.
Carlos II
During the reign of Carlos II, government was in the hands of various validos. The independence of Portugal was recognized, and Felipe V became the first Spanish King of the Bourbon dynasty.
Economy of Spain
Agriculture
The expulsion of Moriscos led to a fall in agricultural products. Latifundia emerged as peasants sold their land to lords. Agricultural recovery occurred thanks to new crops from America: maize and potatoes.
Craftwork
Craftwork was badly affected by cheaper and better-quality foreign products.
Trade
There was less gold and silver from America as mines ran out, leading to a crisis in domestic peninsular trade.
Society in Spain
Nobility and Clergy
The nobility and clergy kept their privileges; manual work was considered dishonorable, and nobles did not work.
Bourgeoisie
The bourgeoisie was ruined by the crisis in craftwork and trade.
Peasants
The lives of peasants worsened, leading many to become beggars and bandits; picaros were common.
Daily Life
Cities were divided into neighborhoods or parishes. The main square was where the market was held. Modest dwellings, houses of adobe or wood with one or two floors, were common. Palaces and large mansion houses were occupied by nobles, featuring reception halls, bedrooms, and decorations with tapestries or sculptures in a luxurious style. Entertainment included playing cards, theatre, carnivals, religious festivals, and gossip shops.
Scientific Revolution
Key figures of the scientific revolution included Galileo (heliocentric theory), Newton (law of gravity), Harvey (blood circulation), and Descartes (rationalism).