Liberalism, Industrial Revolution and the Fall of Absolutism

Liberalism and the Old Regime

Core Principles of Liberalism

• Individualism: Promotes independent thinking and private initiative.
• Anti-Clericalism: Advocates for the separation of church and state, rejecting religious interference in politics.
• Key Figure: John Locke, the precursor of liberalism, who championed political, economic, and social freedom.
• Objectives: Fighting against monopolies and state control to ensure personal and societal liberty.

The Old Regime and Absolutism

The Old Regime was a political system defined by absolutism, where power was centralized in a single individual without legal boundaries. In response, Enlightened Despotism emerged as a defensive government strategy against the spread of Enlightenment ideals.

The Rise of the Bourgeoisie

Emerging at the end of the Middle Ages, the bourgeoisie—comprising bankers, lawyers, and lenders—became an affluent class. They adopted liberalism to dismantle feudalism, as they sought to eliminate high taxes and gain access to political and military positions.

Consequences of Liberalism

Liberalism triggered revolutionary and anarchist movements across Europe and the Americas. It dismantled the social structures of the Old Regime, directly influencing the US Independence (1776), the French Revolution, and various uprisings in American nations.

Reformist Measures and Challenges

Reformers aimed to strip the church of political power, abolish feudalism, and promote education to foster independent thought. However, these reforms often failed because they were implemented from the top down without public support and failed to dissolve the core principles of the monarchy.

The Industrial Revolution (18th Century)

Origins and Development

Starting in England, the Industrial Revolution (also known as maquinismo) was driven by the incorporation of large-scale machinery to replace manual labor and increase production. Its origins were rooted in the discovery of the Americas, the end of feudalism, and the political strengthening of England.

Impact and Legacy

The revolution led to a significant increase in commerce, the transformation of urban centers, and the formation of labor unions (sindicatos). The 18th century, known as the Century of Lights, saw the Enlightenment provide new ideological doctrines that challenged the existing order, ultimately fueling the rise of liberalism and the crisis of absolutism.