Modern Age: Authoritarian Monarchies & Economic Shifts

The Beginnings of the Modern Age

The Modern Age began in the mid-fifteenth century. Feudal monarchies were replaced by authoritarian states. The feudal economy, based on the possession of land, gave way to the birth of commercial capitalism. The bourgeoisie gained significance within a class society. The Protestant Reformation broke Christian unity, and the Renaissance was imposed.

Birth of the Authoritarian Monarchy

In Western Europe, feudal monarchies became authoritarian monarchies, where the king reinforced their power over the entire kingdom. This new model of political organization is called the Modern State.

The power of the king still had certain limitations, such as the participation of society through the courts and the need to respect the laws and traditional customs of his subjects. Therefore, it was not yet an absolute monarchy.

In the sixteenth century, political theories emerged that advocated for a strong power of the king.

Agricultural Activity

The majority of the population remained in agricultural activity. In the sixteenth century, it experienced a time of expansion, thanks to favorable conditions, good harvests, and the clearing of new land.

Crafts

Urban activities reached an important development. The production of handicrafts increased due to growth and the opening of new markets. To avoid scrutiny of the unions, domestic industry also developed: an employer provided the peasantry with raw materials and tools to develop the product in their homes, and afterward, picked it up and marketed it.

Trade

Trade reached a boom due to increased demand and the opening of new trade routes.

• Mediterranean Trade: Focused on Italian cities, trading goods between East and West.
• Atlantic Trade: Focused on the North Sea ports, in Lisbon and Seville.

Social Transformations

Society remained class-based, but with some changes:

• The nobility and the clergy came under the power of the king but remained strong in the economy.
• The bourgeoisie became the upwardly mobile social group because of their enrichment in trade, business, and banking.
• The Western European peasantry was released from easement and worked on their own land or as employees of the lords.