18th Century European Political and Social Transformations

Class Society Analysis

Which estates grouped more people?

The underprivileged strata, specifically the Third Estate, which included the bourgeoisie, artisans, workers, and peasants.

What were the two privileged classes?

The nobility and the clergy.

Absolute Monarchy Characteristics

Copy these sentences in your notebook and underline the one regarding absolute monarchy:

• The king was only one among the nobles.
• King concentrated all powers.
• The parliament limited the power of the king.

Intensification of 18th-Century Foreign Trade

Foreign trade in the eighteenth century was enhanced by the development of shipping and increased trade with the colonies.

Significance of the 1689 Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights 1689 is considered highly important because, from its enactment, monarchs became parliamentary monarchs. This meant they agreed to govern according to the will of Parliament, effectively placing the Act above the king's authority.

Defining Enlightened Despotism

Enlightened despotism was a new form of politics that emerged in the second half of the eighteenth century. Its guiding principle was: "ALL FOR THE PEOPLE, BUT NOT BY THE PEOPLE." This meant governing for the benefit of the populace, but without their direct participation or opinion.

Enlightened Despotism vs. Absolute Monarchy

The significant difference lies in the comprehensive reforms undertaken by enlightened despotism across various areas:

• In the State, policy was organized centrally.
• In Society, measures such as the abolition of serfdom were implemented, and some privileges of the nobility were curtailed.
• In the Economy, reforms included new crops, land resettlement, expansion of irrigation, and the creation of national banks.
• In Culture, academies were established.
• In Religion, enlightened despotism limited the power of the clergy and the papacy.

Notable Enlightened Despotism Actions

The action of enlightened despotism that most captured my attention was in society, specifically the abolition of serfdom. I was surprised that serfdom still existed in Spain in the eighteenth century, as I consider serfs to have been almost like slaves.

The Seven Years' War: Combatants and Causes

The Seven Years' War primarily pitted Britain against France, with the main cause being the struggle for control over colonial trade.