The Age of Reason: Enlightened Despotism and 18th-Century European Reforms

Enlightened Despotism: Absolute Benevolence

Enlightened Despotism is a political concept that emerged at the end of the seventeenth century, belonging to the political systems of the Ancien Régime (Old Regime). It is a form of absolutism, often characterized as absolute benevolence. The ruler who practices it is sometimes called a benevolent dictator.

This system incorporated the ideas of the Enlightenment, particularly the belief that human decisions should be guided by reason. The monarch retained concentrated power but was viewed as the first servant of the state, implementing reforms aimed at achieving progress and the happiness of his subjects.

Key Reforms and Spanish Context

The monarchs that ruled under a system of enlightened despotism implemented several key reforms:

• The unification of all political powers and the homogenization of institutions.
• Promotion of agriculture, industry, and trade.
• Improvement of living conditions for the underprivileged.
• Imposition of restrictions on the Church, leading to expulsions (for example, the Jesuits).
• Significant scientific and educational efforts (researching, discovering, and teaching).

In Spain, Enlightened Despotism reached its height during the reign of Charles III. Its defining motto was: "Everything for the people, but without the people."

Key Spanish Ilustrados (Enlightened thinkers) who collaborated with the government included Campomanes, the Count of Aranda, Jovellanos, Celestino Mutis, and José Cadalso.

The Enlightenment (La Ilustración)

The Enlightenment (*La Ilustración*) was a major European cultural movement that developed from the early eighteenth century until the beginning of the French Revolution. The objectives of this new thinking were to reform society and modernize culture.

Core Features of Enlightenment Thought

Its defining features included:

• Humanism: Focus on human interest and potential.
• Rationalism: Emphasis on the importance of reason and science.
• Secularization of Culture: Separation from religious practice, which had previously held exclusive sway in historical periods.

Furthermore, the movement involved the questioning of traditional values and a significant scientific and educational effort (researching, discovering, and teaching).

Political Influence and Decline

The Enlightenment profoundly influenced both thought and politics. In the political sphere, it was reflected in Enlightened Despotism, summarized by the motto: "Everything for the people, but without the people."

In Spain, the movement reached its apogee during the reign of Charles III.

The start of the French Revolution in 1789 marked the beginning of this ideology's decline.

Many Ilustrados, such as Campomanes and Jovellanos, advocated for crucial reforms, including:

• The modernization of the economy.
• The reform of universities.
• The formation of societies and academies dedicated to studying the nation's shortcomings.