17th Century Enlightenment: Ideas Shaping Modern Government and Rights

The Enlightenment: 17th Century Intellectual Movement

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement developed in Europe in the 17th century that questioned all the principles of the Ancien Régime (Old Regime).

Key Philosophers and Principles of Freedom

Philosophers such as Montesquieu, Voltaire, Diderot, and Rousseau defended the principles of freedom and equality, arguing that all people are born free and equal.

Economic Thought: Physiocracy vs. Mercantilism

In opposition to mercantilism, Physiocracy was imposed. The Physiocrats maintained that agriculture was the main basis for the wealth of a country. They defended private property, freedom of trade and industry, and opposed any state intervention.

Political Thought: Montesquieu and Separation of Powers

Montesquieu defended the separation of powers: legislative, executive, and judicial.

The Encyclopedia: Compiling Knowledge

The Encyclopedia was a major work published during this era that brought together all the knowledge of the time.

The British Revolutions and Limited Monarchy

From the Middle Ages, royal power in England was limited by the action of both houses of Parliament:

• The nobility and clergy (House of Lords)
• The bourgeoisie, representing the cities (House of Commons)

In the 17th century, the new Stuart dynasty attempted to govern without parliamentary control and proceeded to arrest and execute those who opposed them. Key events included:

1. In 1649, King Charles I was executed, and the republic was proclaimed.
2. Charles II, the new King of England, had to accept parliamentary control. In 1679, Parliament voted in favor of Habeas Corpus.
3. In 1689, a second revolution (the Glorious Revolution) finally ended the Stuart absolute monarchy. Parliament offered the crown to William of Orange.

The King swore the Bill of Rights, which limited the powers of the monarch and subjected some of his decisions to Parliament. England was therefore the first country to establish a monarchy with limited power.

Enlightened Despotism: Authority and Rationalization

Enlightened despots tried to reconcile the absolute principle of authority with the Enlightenment ideas of progress, modernity, and rationalization.

The Thirteen British Colonies and American Independence

The 18th century staged colonial insurrection. The inhabitants of the Thirteen Colonies met to defend their interests and rights against the metropolis. American colonists disagreed with the fees and taxes, as well as the commercial monopoly that Britain exercised over their territory.

Since the law did not give them any representation in the London Parliament, they declared their intention not to obey certain laws that had not been approved by their representatives.

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America was drafted by Thomas Jefferson. This statement expressed the principles that drove the revolt:

• The right of everyone to liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
• The duty of rulers to respect the "inalienable rights" of the people.