Economic Liberalism, Enlightenment, and 18th Century Society
Economic Liberalism
Based on the ideas of Adam Smith, economic liberalism’s basic principle is that the state should not intervene in the process of production or exchange of goods. It argues for freedom of production for business owners, allowing them to produce according to market demands.
- Free Trade: The exchange of goods between countries without any restrictions.
- Free Competition: Forces business owners to improve the quality of their products.
Political Ideas of the Enlightenment
- Montesquieu: Argued for the separation of powers, stating that the three branches of government should be separate to prevent power from being concentrated in one person.
- Voltaire: Favored a strong monarchy, but believed its power should be limited by parliament.
- Rousseau: Introduced the idea of popular sovereignty, where power resides with the people rather than the crown.
Economic Ideas of the Enlightenment
Enlightenment thinkers sought to dismantle mercantilism and developed the concept of physiocracy, which posits that a nation’s wealth comes from natural resources.
- Agriculture: Considered the main source of wealth because it provides needed food and materials.
- Craftsmanship and Trade: Secondary economic activities.
- Absolute Monarchs: Should not intervene in the economy.
Enlightened Despotism
A new form of government in some European countries aimed to combine absolute monarchy with Enlightenment ideas, improving people’s well-being (doing everything for the people, but without the people).
Characteristics:
- Maintained absolute power.
- Appointed thinkers to important positions.
- Attempted to make changes peacefully.
- Examples: Catherine of Russia, Joseph II of Austria, Carlos III of Spain.
Economic Changes in the 18th Century
Reforms by monarchs led to changes in all sectors of the economy.
- Harvest Improvements: Due to new agricultural techniques (crop rotation) and new crops (potato and corn).
- Increased Craft Production: Due to population growth and increased demand.
18th Century Society
- European population increased due to improved nutrition and hygiene, reduced mortality, fewer epidemics, and more scientific advances.
- The nobility and clergy opposed any changes.
- The wealthy bourgeoisie was inspired by Enlightenment ideas.
- Peasants’ living conditions remained largely unchanged.
Science and Art in the 18th Century
Two factors drove significant scientific and cultural advances:
- The influence of the Enlightenment on education and technological progress, leading to the creation of many schools.
- The application of the scientific method to all fields of knowledge (chemistry, medicine).
Physics and Geology:
- 1714: Gabriel Fahrenheit improved the mercury thermometer.
- 1750: Benjamin Franklin invented the lightning rod.
- 1788: James Hutton established geology as a science, based on the study of Earth’s changes.
Medicine:
- 1796: Edward Jenner discovered the vaccine for smallpox.
Rococo Art
An artistic style popular in Europe from 1730 to 1760, reflecting the aesthetic tastes of the nobility, who commissioned works representing the joys of life to decorate their homes. It was characterized by exuberant forms and elaborate decorations.
Architecture:
Interiors were decorated with curves and floral elements; in French, these motifs are called rocaille.
Painting:
Pastel colors were used to depict rural festivals and domestic scenes.
Sculpture:
Often small, representing joyful and mythological themes.