Spain in the 18th Century: Society, Politics, and Culture
Socio-Historical Context
The 18th century in Spain began with a change of dynasty. Following the death of the last Austrian heir without issue, a war of succession ensued. Ultimately, the Bourbon dynasty assumed the throne and adopted a policy of enlightened despotism, aiming to combat the decline and backwardness that characterized Spain at the time. The reforms reached their peak during the reign of Charles III.
Political Reforms
Centralized administration and strengthened royal power over the church and nobility.
Economic Reforms
Industrial development and the rise of the middle class. Economic societies, known as “Friends of the Country,” were established to study and implement measures to encourage progress.
Public Improvements
Public lighting, sewerage, paved streets, and cleaning services.
Cultural Reforms
Reform of public education and colleges. The Royal Academy of Spanish Language was founded, and its first publications included the Dictionary of Authorities, Spelling, and Grammar. Other notable institutions established during this period include the National Library, the Royal Academy of History, and the Royal Academy of Arts of San Fernando.
Linguistic Aspects
In the first two-thirds of the century, the vulgarity that had emerged in the 17th century persisted. However, with the publication of History of the Famous Preacher Friar Gerund of Campazas, alias Dunce, Father Isla delivered a blow to the Baroque style. A foreignizing trend appeared, marked by an invasion of Gallicisms. In poetry, words were carefully chosen, with a profusion of Latin and even archaic terms. In prose, the style aimed for seriousness and precision, sacrificing everything for clarity. A purist reaction emerged, led by Forner, to combat the massive proliferation of Gallicisms.
Literary Aspects
A) Stage of Literature
B) Post-Baroque Stage
C) Neoclassical Stage
D) Pre-Romantic Stage
Trends from the 17th century continued but became increasingly degenerate and exaggerated. The influence of Quevedo and Góngora remained, as did that of Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca.
Influence of the Picaresque
Two authors fought against these trends: Father Feijoo (Erudite Letters) and Father Isla (History of the World…). This phase built upon French literature, which entered Spain through the Bourbons and Francophiles who were tired of the Baroque. It was a relatively poor literary stage due to the dominance of reason over feeling and the disdain for traditional themes and forms. French influence led to a general lack of originality, with numerous translations and introductions of works by Diderot, Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu. Towards the end of the 18th century, some ideas of enlightenment and freedom persisted, but there was a reaction against its aesthetics. Feeling began to prevail over reason, with a focus on pain, longing, confusion, and sadness, along with a taste for the wild, especially nature.
Literary Genres
a) Prose: The essay and the epistolary genre (letters) were the most important of the century, serving as vehicles for the theoretical exposition of ideas, thoughts, and criticisms. They functioned as textbooks and channels for complaints, disseminated through newspapers.
Main Representatives:
- Jovellanos: Held public office, eventually becoming Minister of Justice. He wrote several essays dedicated to improving the country’s cultural education, including Report on the Agrarian Law.
- Feijoo: Professor at the University of Oviedo, he strived to modernize the Spanish university. His most important work, Universal Critical Theater, addressed philosophical, scientific, and literary issues based on reason.
- José Cadalso: Notable within the epistolary genre for Moroccan Letters, a work of social satire. Through the perspectives of three characters—a Spaniard and two Arabs—he examined the most concerning aspects of Spanish society: customs, privileges, false culture, the role of women, and so on.
The novel held little importance during this century. Writers of the period recognized only one novel of prestige throughout the entire history of literature: Don Quixote. Two trends emerged:
- The didactic novel: The greatest representative was Father Isla, with his History…, which focused on a critique of sacred oratory.
- The autobiographical novel: Influenced by the picaresque and considered a social satire. The most important author was Diego Torres Villaroel, with his book Visions and Visits of Torres with Don Francisco de Quevedo of the Court (views of Madrid).