The Enlightenment in 18th-Century Spain: Society and Economy
The Enlightenment in Spain
The Enlightenment, born in 18th-century France, had many repercussions on 19th-century liberalism. The enlightened entrusted reason and the instruction of the population as a means to achieve material and spiritual progress. They were concerned with improving economic conditions and the education of the population. They attacked the absolute monarchy (Montesquieu’s separation of powers) and the estates of society (against privileges), and they defended the freedom of economic unions.
The triumph of the Enlightenment in Europe had its reflection in Spain. Prominent figures like Jerónimo Feijoo and Gregorio Mayans contributed to the collection of encyclopedic knowledge of the era, questioning some traditional values. The fullness of the Enlightenment occurred during the reign of Charles III, during which reforms were attempted in many aspects. Campomanes, Jovellanos, Aranda, and Cabarrús raised the need for reform of the university, modernization, and incorporation of the economy, as well as the creation of economic societies in the country.
At the end of the century, coinciding with the French Revolution, the main representatives of the Enlightenment were imprisoned or removed from power. They basically defended the idea of making a revolution from above, aimed at benefiting the people, but without them (enlightened despotism, “but without all the people”).
End of the Socioeconomic Structure of the Old Regime: Economy and Society of the 18th Century
Agriculture
Agriculture formed the basis of the Spanish economy, and Spain remained a rural country. Methods of work in the field remained traditional and inefficient. Crops barely changed except for isolated cases, such as the expansion of maize, potatoes, and vines.
Land Ownership
Land ownership was in the hands of the Church, the nobility, and to a lesser degree, small and medium landowners. The structure of property prevented the growth of production since most of the land was in the hands of the Church as amortized or bound property. Various enlightened figures attempted to reform agricultural structures. During the reign of Charles III, Jovellanos and Olavide drafted an agricultural bill under the direction of Campomanes, in which the reforms tended to limit amortization, liberalize land ownership and its enclosure, and allow the separation of primogeniture.
Timid Reforms in the Field
In Extremadura, Andalusia, and the Canal, there was land reform. Communal land was divided among the peasants in order to create a middle-class rural land, and financial aid was provided to buy farming tools, seeds, and homes. Repopulation of depopulated territories of Sierra Morena was also conducted.
Industry and Trade
The craft industry remained under guild order, with workshops where teachers, officials, and trainees worked. Some forms of industrial production began to appear, such as the concentration of capital and abundant labor in a building. An example of state initiative was the royal factories for the production of certain luxury goods to supply the privileged classes. In some cases, private initiatives launched early textile industries. These industries operated outside of the guilds (but were only isolated cases).
Business Activity
Commerce was the main economic concern. It was the sector that grew the most in this century. Trade associations, consulates, etc., were created. The monopoly of the Trading House came to an end. Decrees allowed free trade in all Spanish ports to trade with the colonies.
Population Growth
The 18th century saw significant population growth, from 7.5 million inhabitants to 10.9 million in the 19th century. The highest increases were on the Mediterranean coast. This resulted in the demographic dominance of the periphery over the center of the Peninsula and the rise of cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Cádiz, and Granada.
Social Changes
Social differences persisted between those who lived from work and those who lived from income.