The Enlightenment and the End of the Ancient Regime

The End of the Ancient Regime

Factors of Change

Economic growth and the aspirations of the Third Estate, especially the bourgeoisie, were key factors of change. The bourgeoisie criticized the privileges of the nobles and clergy. Most members of society wanted to end the dominance of the privileged classes and establish a monarchy that considered the interests of the Third Estate.

Social Divisions in the Ancient Regime

Society was divided into three estates: the clergy (First Estate), the nobles (Second Estate), and the peasants and bourgeoisie (Third Estate). The main feature of this stratified society was civic inequality.

The Atlantic Slave Trade

Slaves were taken from Africa to the Americas, where they were sold and forced to work in terrible conditions on agricultural plantations.

Economic Crisis in the Ancient Regime

Several factors contributed to the economic crisis: land was entailed (meaning it could not be bought or sold), manorialism remained in force in the countryside, and agricultural production was low, leading many to practice subsistence farming.

The 18th Century and the Shift in Power

Limited Monarchy in 18th Century England

The powers of Parliament were solidified during the 18th century in Britain. Parliament gained the power to make laws, and judicial power was separated from the government. However, only a minority had the right to vote, colonists were not represented in Parliament, and slavery was accepted.

The American Revolution

The American colonies went to war against Britain due to their discontent with British policies, including the lack of representation in Parliament, imposed commercial monopolies, and taxes.

The Enlightenment

What was the Enlightenment?

The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated European thought during the 18th century. It emphasized reason as the primary source of authority and legitimacy and promoted ideals such as liberty, progress, tolerance, fraternity, constitutional government, and the separation of church and state.

Enlightenment Despotism

Influenced by the Enlightenment, some European monarchs attempted to introduce its ideas of progress without relinquishing their authority. They promoted the rationalization of administration, education, and the modernization of the economy. They developed agriculture and industry and facilitated free trade, manufacturing, and trading companies.

The Encyclopédie

The Encyclopédie was created to compile and share the knowledge of the time with everyone. Its founders also aimed to present critical Enlightenment ideas on stratified society and absolutism, carefully avoiding royal censorship.

Spread of Enlightenment Ideas

Enlightenment ideas were disseminated through various institutions, including universities, scientific academies, coffee houses, and private salons frequented by educated individuals.