The Enlightenment and Enlightened Despotism of Charles III

The Enlightenment and Enlightened Despotism

Core Concepts of the Enlightenment

The Enlightenment is defined as a school of thought characterized by the use of reason to understand natural and social reality, with France serving as the primary center of diffusion. Its doctrinal characteristics include:

• Predominance of reason.
• Defense of the autonomy of political power.
• Conception of religious tolerance.
• Interest in productive activities.
• Understanding the importance of education.

Enlightened Despotism Under Charles III

Enlightened despotism in Spain found its best representative in Charles III. This monarch adopted several Enlightenment premises: concern for improving the economy, the rationalization of the state, and the acceptance of the king as the ideal enlightened man.

The Italian Stage

Following the childless death of Ferdinand VI, Charles III renounced the throne of Naples to rule Spain. In his early years, he relied on ministers like Grimaldi and the Marquis of Esquilache. This reformist model sparked deep opposition, culminating in the Esquilache Mutiny of 1766, driven by popular unrest, resentment toward foreign influence, and resistance from privileged classes against reform measures.

Moderate Reforms

Later, reform efforts were led by Spanish figures such as Campomanes, the Count of Aranda, and Floridablanca, alongside other enlightened thinkers like Francisco Cabarrús, Pablo de Olavide, and Jovellanos. Key reforms included:

Religious Reforms

Efforts to reduce the power and influence of the Church.

Economic Reforms

Aimed at increasing tax collection and improving productive activities through economic liberalism and a progressive abandonment of mercantilism. There was a specific need for agrarian reform, promoting agricultural development through the limitation of the Mesta and the secularization of commons.

Military Reforms

Establishment of compulsory military service, reorganization of the army structure, creation of a professional officer corps, and the enactment of new ordinances.

Social Reforms

Diverse actions ranging from industrial and commercial regulations to the control of marginalized groups and the regulation of bullfights.

Institutional Reforms

Limitation of municipal power to control local oligarchies. Despite the breadth of these improvements, enlightened despotism faced significant limitations.