18th-Century Spain: Reforms, Society & Art

Posted on Mar 18, 2025 in Geography

18th-Century Spain: Reforms and Society

Significant changes took place in the 18th century due to social reforms introduced by enlightened monarchs.

Agriculture: Harvests improved due to crop rotation and agricultural machinery, increasing productivity. Repopulation also increased production, and new crops were introduced.
Craftsmanship: Population growth led to increased demand for goods. The domestic system of production (especially textiles) became more important. Royal manufactures produced luxury goods. However, the overall economy remained limited.
Commerce: Domestic trade in Europe was limited by an inadequate transportation system. International trade increased between Europe and America, with the British controlling much of this trade.

Spain experienced enormous growth due to reforms introduced by Felipe V and Carlos III:

Agriculture: Canals facilitated irrigation, and uninhabited areas were colonized.
Industry: Production of silk, porcelain, and other luxury goods increased.
Trade: Trade was liberalized, with internal duties eliminated.

Europe’s population increased steadily due to scientific advances (improved nutrition and hygiene, fewer epidemics).

Estates of the Realm: Reforms were introduced, impacting the middle class, but the lives of peasants did not improve significantly.
Daily Life: Changes in customs occurred.
Family Life: Improved childcare and education, and criticism of arranged marriages.
Women: Differences between social classes persisted. Women in wealthier families learned to read and write, while those in poorer families remained illiterate.
Social Reforms: The nobility was encouraged to work for a living. Reforms led to protests, such as the Esquilache Riots, and the Jesuits were expelled from Spain.

Rococo reflected the aesthetic tastes of the nobility, representing the joys of life:

Architecture: Elaborate decoration with curves, seashells, and floral elements.
Sculpture: Small-scale works representing joyful and mythological themes.
Painting: Pastel colors were commonly used. In Spain, religious themes dominated.

Neoclassicism imitated classical art and reflected the aesthetic tastes of the Enlightenment:

Architecture: Well-proportioned buildings with classical elements (rounded arches, columns, domes).
Sculpture: Marble sculptures depicting mythological themes or famous people.
Painting: Imitated classical sculptures, with mythological or historical themes. In Spain, Carlos III modernized Madrid.

The Modern Age began with the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789.

A period of violent political and social change, leading to the abolition of the monarchy.

Political Crisis: The Estates-General consisted of the clergy (300 representatives), nobility (300), and the middle class (600).
Economic Crisis: France was bankrupt, leading to increased taxes.
Social Crisis: The three estates were discontented with the crown. The clergy and nobility wanted to protect their economic privileges and avoid paying taxes.

National Assembly: A new voting system was introduced, with each representative having an individual vote. A constitution was demanded.
Constituent Assembly: A constitution was written. Protesters rioted in Paris and attacked the Bastille. Louis XVI attempted to escape to Austria but was prevented. In 1791, a constitutional monarchy was established.
Legislative Assembly: Two political groups dominated:
- Girondins: Believed in the revolution but represented the interests of the bourgeoisie.
- Jacobins: Also believed in the revolution, but their political ideas became more radical. They wanted to abolish the monarchy, expand suffrage, and control price rises.