17th Century Europe: Absolutism, Baroque, and Colonialism

The 17th Century: An Era of Transformation

This period is notable for the interplay between crisis and progress. On the one hand, many problems arose, but on the other hand, it was the age in which new colonial empires mitigated these crises. There was also the full authority of the monarchy in absolutism, lasting in most European countries until the French Revolution.

Italy: A Cultural Powerhouse Amidst Fragmentation

Italy at this time was politically fragmented, consisting of a few groups of states dominated by Spain and others under French influence. Culturally, Italy remained the most important. The art center during the 17th century was in Rome, because of the reaffirmation of Catholicism and the papacy. But in addition to Rome, Venice and Naples were also important artistic centers.

Scientific Revolution and Religious Reaffirmation

During this period, there was a scientific breakthrough and the introduction of modern science, especially through Galileo Galilei, Newton, and Descartes. With philosophy on religion after the Council of Trent to end the Counter-Reformation, it reaffirmed the principles of the Catholic Church, strengthened the papacy, and created the Jesuits to curb the Counter-Reformation. The Baroque period was led by Pope Sixtus V and Paul V. Thus, Rome became the religious capital, and its urban structure was transformed.

France: The Reign of the Sun King

France was the best representative of absolutism under Louis XIV, who was called the Sun King. His desires to bring prosperity and power to France to relive its military splendor made him the monarch par excellence. He tried to unite all of Europe under French power. Before him were Henry IV and Louis XIII.

Spain: Decline and the Rise of the Bourbons

The 17th century marked the end of Spain's political dominance after dominating many European areas. With the discovery of America in 1492, the Spanish established an administrative, economic, and political organization in the conquered territories. In all territories, they arranged a colonial economy based on the exploitation of indigenous people and trade under the Spanish monopoly. But from the 17th century, with the development of agriculture and livestock, imports declined.

Felipe II died and was succeeded by his son Philip III. During the reign of the latter, there was an era of peace, not only in Spain. Notwithstanding the general crisis that the country lived, it was needed. In 1621, after a period of peace, the war against the Netherlands began. It is in this period that the Bourbon dynasty began after the War of Succession, and Philip V established himself as king.

Economic and Demographic Challenges in Spain

With respect to the economy, agriculture was the main activity of the century. Animal husbandry, metallurgy, and shipbuilding suffered a setback. Domestic trade was hampered by the increase of customs, and foreign trade was not in good condition. This period also saw a demographic crisis caused by epidemics, high emigration to America, and the expulsion of the Moors.

Cultural and Religious Landscape

Culturally, the Baroque represented a change of mind, from optimism to pessimism and a revival of realism in this period. In Spanish literature, it is known as the Golden Age, with figures like Góngora, Calderón de la Barca, Quevedo, and Gracián. In the religious sphere, throughout this period, the Catholic Counter-Reformation, which began with the Council of Trent, continued. This expansion of the church had a decisive influence on art.