17th Century European Society and Economic Transformation

17th Century European Society and Economy

European Population and Social Structure

Europe's population remained virtually stagnant throughout the 17th century. This low growth was primarily due to high mortality rates caused by epidemics, especially the Black Plague, and severe famines. Agriculture suffered from low productivity; years of crop shortages were frequently followed by hunger.

Society remained organized into estates, divided between the non-privileged (peasants, workers, and the bourgeoisie) and the privileged (nobles and clergy). However, the bourgeoisie consolidated itself as a wealthy and influential sector. While parts of Europe maintained a traditional society dominated by the power and wealth of the nobility, other areas—especially those of the Protestant religion—developed trade and manufacturing, further empowering the bourgeoisie.

The height of colonial trade and production allowed for the growth of a bourgeoisie linked to business, which increasingly amassed higher fortunes. They purchased land and administrative jobs, often enjoying the favor of kings to whom they occasionally lent money.

The Evolution of Global Trade Routes

In the 16th century, new maritime trade routes were forged. The precious metals route was established by the Spanish Empire, carrying gold and silver from Peru and Mexico to the Caribbean and then to Seville. The spice route, dominated by the Portuguese, departed from Malacca and India, bordering Africa to reach Lisbon.

By the 17th century, England and the Netherlands laid claim to the Atlantic and Indian routes. The East India Company was a Dutch enterprise that enjoyed state support; the English also created a similar company to compete with the Dutch. England eventually seized control in India, while the Netherlands established dominance in Indonesia, displacing Portugal. Consequently, the Mediterranean area lost importance as trade shifted to the ports of Seville, Lisbon, Antwerp, Amsterdam, and London.

The Rise of State-Supported Manufactures

Manufacturing began to concentrate workers in large shops, allowing traders to increase production and lower prices. These workers received a salary, and the resulting production belonged to the entrepreneur, who sold it freely in the market. In France, the State supported the establishment of manufacturing; during the reign of Louis XIV, the minister Colbert created state-owned manufactures to bolster the national economy.