Understanding the Old Regime: Society, Economy, and Enlightenment
The Old Regime: Society, Economy, and Enlightenment
1. The Old Regime
The Old Regime refers to the social, economic, and political structures that characterized European monarchies before the French Revolution.
It was characterized by:
- Maintaining a stratified society of feudal origin.
- An economic system based primarily on agriculture.
- An absolute monarchy, where power was concentrated in the hands of the king.
- Limited social mobility for ordinary people, with exceptions for ascension into the nobility.
- Privileges afforded to the nobility and clergy, creating a two-tiered system.
Transformations in Society
Nobility
The nobility was divided into high and low classes. The high nobility possessed vast estates and significant wealth derived from manorial rights, while the low nobility often faced more precarious economic circumstances.
Clergy
Similarly, the clergy was divided into high and low ranks. The high clergy was often composed of younger sons from noble families and controlled significant ecclesiastical estates. The lower clergy consisted of individuals from ordinary backgrounds, many of whom lived in poverty.
2. The Agrarian World
The Primary Sector’s Hegemony
The economy was largely based on subsistence agriculture, characterized by low productivity in dry lands. Most land was dedicated to cereal crops, which formed the staple diet. Land ownership was concentrated in the hands of the privileged classes. The nobility’s lands were often subject to primogeniture, while the clergy’s lands were considered inalienable (dead hands), protected by the king and often not fully exploited.
Industry Development
During the Old Regime, industry was often driven by royal initiatives, particularly those focused on mercantilism. Monarchies attempted to modernize production systems, especially for manufacturing goods for royal trade, which had expanded significantly due to trade between Europe and the Americas.
3. The Government in the 18th Century
Absolutism
Absolutism was the dominant political system in Europe at the beginning of the 18th century. Originating in France during the reign of Louis XIV, absolute monarchs developed extensive bureaucracies and powerful standing armies. To finance these endeavors, kings relied on increasing tax revenues from the peasantry and the bourgeoisie.
The English Parliament
Political liberalism provided the theoretical foundation for the English parliamentary monarchy. Key principles included: Freedom, Equality, and Ownership.
4. Enlightenment and Enlightened Despotism
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement that swept through Europe during the 18th century. Enlightenment thinkers analyzed society using reason, believing in the continuous progress of humankind. They emphasized the importance of human beings and argued that tolerance should be the basis of human relations.
Critique of the Old Regime
Enlightenment thinkers opposed the estate system, advocating for a system of social and legal equality. They also believed that the privileges afforded to certain social groups and institutions hindered economic growth.
Enlightened Absolutism
Enlightened absolutism was a political system where absolute monarchs implemented Enlightenment ideas. This included expanding education, reforming city layouts, and improving water and food supplies.
Kings aimed to consolidate power. Physiocrats believed that a nation’s wealth depended on agriculture, necessitating the end of unexploited land, such as the inalienable lands held by the church.