18th Century Europe: Catalonia's Economic Rise and French Revolution Origins
Economic Growth in 18th Century Catalonia
The Catalan population doubled between 1717 and 1797, almost reaching one million. While much of Spain suffered from low agricultural yields and land concentrated in the hands of the privileged, Catalonia embarked on a significant economic recovery. Even some measures established by the Bourbons, such as the tax reform of the cadastre or single contribution, initially conceived as punishment after the War of the Spanish Succession, ultimately benefited Catalonia because it was a more equitable tax for the population.
During the eighteenth century, there were significant improvements in agriculture, including the modernization of agricultural holdings, the introduction of new crops, and enhanced wine production techniques. These improvements were stimulated by the existence of emphyteutic censuses. Moreover, the expansion that increased agricultural income of the population contributed to the growth of cotton manufacturing, particularly the production of calico. Finally, trade liberalization led to the expansion of commercial companies and traders who facilitated trade between Catalan ports and American colonies.
The Need for Land Reform in Spain
A main concern of the ilustrados (enlightened thinkers) was the improvement and valuation of agricultural land, which they considered to be far behind that of other European nations. They criticized the vinculadas (entailed estates) system. Among these prominent ilustrados were the Count of Floridablanca, the Count of Campomanes, Pablo de Olavide, the Marquis of Esquilache, and the Count of Aranda.
Catalan Enlightenment Thinkers
During this period, several academies and numerous technical schools were established in Catalonia, aiming to promote trade, improve manufacturing, and advance technical studies. Antoni de Capmany was one of the most outstanding Catalan enlightened thinkers of this era.
Causes of the French Revolution
France was in a deep economic and social crisis. On one side, poor harvests led to a sharp increase in food prices and widespread popular discontent. On the other, the bourgeoisie, enriched by 18th-century economic growth, grew increasingly unhappy because they were denied privileged positions and social recognition. The monarchy was plunged into a deep financial crisis caused by the elevated expenses of the court and state. The proposed solution was tax reform, but the absolute monarch feared that the privileged, who were his primary social support, would become discontent.
The French Revolution Begins: 1789
The French Revolution began with a revolt of the aristocracy. The privileged refused to pay taxes and demanded that Louis XVI convene the Estates-General. The Estates-General was the name given in France to the assembly of representatives from the three estates of the Ancien Régime: the clergy, the nobility, and the Third Estate. Its main function was to approve the royal tax system. Representatives of the Third Estate demanded double representation, joint deliberation, and a vote by head (or per person) because they constituted the majority.