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The ancient regime and the enlightment
Enlightened despotism
Was a new form of government that developed in some European countries in the 18th century. Its objective was to combine absolute monarchy (despotism) with Enlightenment ideas aimed at modernising the country and improving people's wellbeing.
characteristics
maintained their absolute power through centralised governments that implemented their policies
they appointed Enlightenment thinkers to important positions, for example as royal ministers
tried to make changes peacefully, through education and new laws
Catherine the Great of Russia, Joseph II of Austria, Frederick II of Prussia and Carlos III of Spain (1759–1788)
they implemented a number of enlightened reforms, such as the unification of the legal system, the modernisation of the army, and the promotion of agriculture, industry and education
The 18th century in Spain: the Bourbons
Political developments in 18th-century Spain were the result of dynastic change, as the Hapsburgs were replaced by the Bourbons. Under the Bourbons government in Spain became more centralised
Carlos II was the last Spanish king of the Hapsburg line
He died without heirs
This conflict became the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714).
The war ended with the Treaties of Utrecht and Rastatt
Austria gained lands from Spain, including Milan and the Spanish Netherlands, while Great Britain gained Gibraltar and Menorca.
Philip of Anjou became Felipe V, King of Spain. This was the start of the Bourbon dynasty in Spain.
During the 18th century, Spanish monarchs tried to recover the lands they had lost in the Treaties of Utrecht and Rastatt by participating in international conflicts, such as the Seven Years' War.
Economic changes in the 18th century
At the beginning of the 18th century, European economies had the same characteristics as in the earlier phases of the Ancien Régime
During the 18th century, harvests improved
new agricultural techniques, such as crop rotation, were more widely used, and improved agricultural machinery increased farmers' productivity
new crops were introduced, such as potatoes and corn. These improved human and animal nutrition.
Craft production increased. The guilds also had to compete with new systems of production.
the domestic system of production became more important
Peasants made products in their own homes and sold them to merchants
Royal manufacturers (also known as royal factories) produced various luxury goods.
They were based in large workshops and their workers used simple tools.
Economic reforms in Spain
The Spanish economy experienced growth in the 18th century as a result of reforms introduced by Felipe V, Fernando VI and Carlos III. The sociedades económicas de amigos del país also played an important role
the most important reforms
agriculture
canals were built to facilitate irrigation and uninhabited areas were colonised
craft production
royal manufacturers were established for silk, porcelain and other luxury goods. Textile production in Cataluña was also protected from foreign competition.
trade
internal customs duties were abolished. Cádiz lost its monopoly on transatlantic trade, allowing free trade with America.
