The Transformation of the Ancien Régime and The Enlightenment
Ancien Régine
Economy
Main characteristics
Monarchs more powerful
Crafts increased
17th-18th centuries
Advances in Science
and Philosophy
Bourgeoisie became
wealthier
Politics
Absolute monarchy:
Parliamentary
monarchy
the crown had
unlimited authority
Power limited by Parliament
Crafts, regulated by
guilds.
Trade increased
Mercantilism
Agriculture
outdated
techniques
tools
low
productivity,
economic
system
imposed by
European absolute monarchs
Limited imports
Encourage exports
Society
The estates of the
realm
1st and 2nd
Privileges
3rd
Bourgeoisie
Petite bourgeoisie
Peasantry
Enlightenment
Main characteristics
Intellectual movement.
Reason, science and education
Reason
Progress
Learning and teaching:
Equality and liberty
Happiness
Enlightened philosophers
Montesquieu
Rousseau
Voltaire
Power
should be limited by Parliament
defended the
separation of powers.
agreement between the
citizens and their government.
Economy
Agriculture
Crop rotation
New machinery
Repopulation
New crops
Skilled craftmanship
Rural areas
Increase in demand for many
consumer goods
Royal manufactures
Domestic system
Restricitions by the guils
Luxury gods
Monarchy, nobility, bourgeoisie
Commerce
Domestic trade
Canals
Improve of roads
Internacional trade
Increased the exchange between America and Europe.
Society
Between 1700-1800 (from 95 to 146 million people)
Scientific advances
Improvements in nutrition and hygiene
Reduction in the number of epidemics
States system
Critics to the influence
Bourgeoisie
Peasants
Lands and buildings confiscated
Number of convents reduced
Enlightened Despotism
Characteristics
Education as a way to improve
people's quality of life
Attack to privileged people's
idleness
Political centralisation:
Control over the Church's
power
European enlightened despots
Joseph II (Austria)
Frederick the Great (Prussia)
Catherine the Great (Russia)
Carlos III (Spain)