The 18th Century: From Absolute Monarchy to American Revolution
Key Concepts of the 18th Century
Absolute Monarchy
A system where the monarch holds supreme autocratic authority, not restricted by written laws, legislature, or customs. The economy and the people have no voice.
Nobility
The land-based economy was dominated by the nobility.
War of Succession (1701-1714)
The struggle for the throne between the Bourbons and the Habsburgs in Spain. It was initiated by the Bourbons with Philip V.
Parliamentary Monarchy
A system where the monarch’s power is limited and conditioned by a parliament. The three branches of government are separated.
Enlightened Despotism
A form of absolute monarchy inspired by the Enlightenment. Enlightened despots, prevalent in Europe (Russia, Prussia, France, and Spain) during the second half of the 18th century, aimed to improve the conditions of their people.
The Enlightenment
An intellectual, philosophical, and cultural movement of the 18th century. It emphasized reason, the division of powers, and religious tolerance.
The Encyclopedia
A comprehensive work that compiled all the knowledge of the time, promoting reason and nature.
American Revolution
The 13 American colonies gained independence from Great Britain during the second half of the 18th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Old Regime and its Characteristics?
The Old Regime refers to the political and social system of European societies during the Early Modern period. It retained elements of the medieval and feudal periods but maintained a model of life based on a manor-type economy, absolute monarchy, and a stratified society.
2. What is an Estate Society?
It was divided into two groups:
- Privileged:
- Nobility: Lived from income, accumulated wealth, and land.
- Clergy: Lived from income derived from the exploitation of their territorial heritage and tithes.
- Non-privileged:
- United in opposition to the privileges of the nobility and clergy.
- Maintained the stately system.
- Claimed civil equality.
- Bourgeoisie: Included great artisans, merchants, and bankers. Despite their wealth, they lacked political influence and were marginalized from power circles.
- Urban Manual Workers: Grouped in cities.
- Peasants: Constituted the largest group of the population.
3. What is the Enlightenment and What Does it Defend?
The Enlightenment was an intellectual, philosophical, and cultural movement of the 18th century. It was characterized by reason, the division of powers, and religious tolerance. It promoted an unshakeable faith in reason and religious tolerance. It defended against absolutism.
4. Define the Encyclopedia and its Importance.
The Encyclopedia was a monumental work that compiled all the knowledge of the time, promoting reason and nature. It played a crucial role in disseminating enlightened ideas.
5. What is the Difference Between English Parliamentary Monarchy and Enlightened Despotism?
Here is a comparative table:
| English Parliamentary Monarchy | Enlightened Despotism (Europe) |
|---|---|
| King and parliament share power. | The king holds all the powers. |
| Limited power of the king. | Divine origin of the king’s power. |
| People are represented by two chambers: Commons and Lords. | People are not represented, but the king and ministers propose improvements. |
6. What are the Phases of the American Revolution?
The phases are:
- Declaration of Independence: The U.S. declared independence from Britain in 1776.
- Establishment of the Republic: A president replaced the king, implementing a division of powers and federalism.
- The Constitution was drafted in 1787 to reorganize the new nation.
7. What did the Arrival of Philip V Mean for Spain?
It signified the imposition of absolute monarchy.
8. What did Catalonia Lose in the 18th Century and Why?
Catalonia lost its political and institutional representation with the Decree of Nueva Planta in 1716.