Historical Impact of the Enlightenment on Spanish Culture

The Enlightenment in Spain

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The Enlightenment emerged as a struggle for the hegemony of mass production and power, driven by scientific progress (Newton), rationalism, and the need for better information communication. This era produced booklets full of intellect, the scientific method, and the development of critical thinking, culminating in the first encyclopedia published in 1751 in France.

Enlightened Ideals in the Peninsula

When these ideals reached the peninsula, they did not adopt the anticlerical positions of the French encyclopedists. Instead, the Spanish Enlightenment was supported by the monarchy. We find a genuine interest in local history, language, and literature—three factors that distinguish the Spanish Enlightenment from the rest of Europe. (N-89785)

Catalan Cultural Renaissance

In the late 17th century, the Academy of Desconfiats was founded, a predecessor to the Academy of Letters (1729), which produced an extensive history of Catalonia and a dictionary of the Catalan language. This was a driving force for the renaissance:

• 1764: Academy of Sciences and Arts of Barcelona—focused on technical advances applied to the nascent industry.
• 1758: Board of Commerce—established better regulation of the textile industry.
• Cultural Patronage: The University of Valencia played a vital role in the peninsula, ranking first in student numbers and educational organization.

Political Shifts and Repression

In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht ended the War of Succession, and Menorca passed to the British Crown. While the Catalan language was preserved, it received direct influence from the Enlightenment. However, the 1716 Decreto de Nueva Planta by Philip V suppressed the constitutions of the Principality. Catalan was discriminated against by political power, and the culture faced harsh repression.

Despite this, during the 18th century, the principality began a demographic and economic recovery that made the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century possible.

Neoclassicism: A New Aesthetic

Neoclassicism emerged in France at the end of the 17th century as a reaction to Baroque fatigue and the discovery of the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. This new aesthetic, defended by the bourgeoisie, sought to challenge the nobility. Its characteristics include:

• Formal and rigorous rationalism.
• A strong connection to Enlightenment philosophy.