Early Modern Period: Defining Characteristics and Transformations

The Early Modern Era: Defining Features

The term Early Modern Era spans from the invention of printing to the French Revolution.

Chronological Markers

The beginning of this period is marked by several significant events:

• The Fall of Constantinople
• The Discovery of America
• The Conquest of Granada
• In England, the Battle of Bosworth, which initiated the Tudor dynasty.

The end of the period is generally marked by either the French Revolution or the Industrial Revolution.

Cultural and Religious Shifts

Culturally, this era was profoundly marked by the Renaissance and the Baroque styles. In religion, the defining movement was the Reformation.

Economic Developments

Economically, we observe the beginning of capitalism and mercantilism.

Defining Tensions: Modernity and Tradition

The period is defined by a tension between modernity and traditional roots:

• Modernity: Characterized by individualism, democratic feelings, and technological change.
• Tradition: Maintained through familial responsibility, religious fervor, and belief in monarchical government.

During this era, absolutism developed—a strong form of government that ultimately led to the modern state.

Social Transformations

Social Changes

Significant shifts occurred in the social structure:

• The nobility remained a privileged group, though increasingly subdued by the kings.
• Peasants began their release from feudal ties to the lords.
• The bourgeoisie emerged as an ascending social group.

Political and Economic Changes

Political Changes

Monarchies began to concentrate their power, evolving into authoritarian monarchies.

Economic Changes

Guilds continued to exist, capitalism was born, and agricultural production increased.

The Rise of Capitalism

The most important economic change was capitalism, an economic system where the means of production belong to a private owner and are operated for profit. It was characterized by:

• Increasing monetary circulation.
• Growth of demand.
• The birth of banking, which accumulated money.
• The bill of exchange: a document allowing people to cash an amount of money without physically carrying currency.
• Development of consulates and markets.

Characteristics of Authoritarian Monarchy

The authoritarian monarchy was based on several key pillars:

1. Territorial Unification: Building a nation around a king.
2. The subjugation of the nobility.
3. The increase of the monarchs' political power, supported by a very organized administration.
4. A mercenary and permanent army at the king's service.
5. Control of the justice administration.
6. Management of foreign relations through diplomacy.

Figures like Louis XII and Francis I of France symbolized the authoritarian monarchy.