Absolute vs. Parliamentary Monarchy & Rise of Industrialization

What is Absolute Monarchy?

During the 17th century, the bourgeoisie did not accept that all the world's power rested in the hands of the absolute monarchy and aristocracy. King Louis XIV of France was a model of an absolute monarch. In the 17th century, European monarchs concentrated all powers: government, taxation, foreign policy, heading the army, elaborating laws, and acting as supreme court judges.

What is a Parliamentary Monarchy?

During the reign of Isabel II, Spain definitively became a parliamentary monarchy. The constitution of 1837 established national sovereignty, the separation of powers, and the recognition of individual rights of citizens. Democratization took a step forward during the Democratic Sexennium, and the First Republic was proclaimed. Alfonso XII inaugurated a new stage of parliamentary and constitutional monarchy.

What are the Three Principles of Liberalism?

In 1789, the French Revolution broke out in France, ending absolutism and helping to distribute liberalism throughout Europe. In the early days of liberalism, women were not allowed to vote, and all those who were against it were called suffragettes.

The principles of early liberalism:

• National Sovereignty: The right to choose rulers.
• Parliament: Voting on a constitution that limits royal power.

Bourgeoisie vs. Workers in the Industrial Age

Type of Job

Bourgeoisie: To build a factory, buy machinery, or purchase raw materials, they had to invest a large amount of money (capital). This new system is called capitalism.

Workers: Worked in factories in exchange for a salary.

Leisure

Bourgeoisie: Went to the theater and other places for fun, without distractions.

Workers: Took advantage of being at home with family.

Attire

Bourgeoisie: Wore elegant costumes and walked along the Paseo de Gracia.

Workers: Wore a cap with a handkerchief around their necks and could not appear poor.

Neighborhoods

Bourgeoisie: Lived in beautiful neighborhoods, with areas designed for people to admire the bourgeoisie when walking through the neighborhood.

Workers: The streets were narrow, dirty, and unpaved.

Housing

Bourgeoisie: Large houses with a living room, bedroom, kitchen, and all services (modern and beautiful houses because they had money).

Workers: Unreliable electricity, running water, and sewerage. They had a patio and terraces (old and poor houses).

Factors that Made Industrialization Possible

The steam engine allowed other machines to move, utilizing the energy of water vapor. The great development of agriculture and industry that occurred between the 18th and 19th centuries is called the Agricultural and Industrial Revolution. The railroad and the steamship were much faster and cheaper. Coal was used as fuel to move machines and other vehicles. A new energy source, cheaper and cleaner, was also discovered: electricity.