Political and Social Transformation in 17th Century Europe

Historical and Sociocultural Context

In the eighteenth century and the modern era, the modern movement looked toward the future, relying on emerging science and a new vision of the universe and reason. This period was defined by contradictions. The peace was disrupted in 1618 by the Thirty Years' War, which ended with the signing of the Peace of Westphalia, establishing a new map of a religiously and politically divided Europe.

The Rise of Absolutism

The most significant development of this century was the attempt by authoritarian monarchies to become absolutist. In Spain, the Austrias (Habsburgs) entrenched an authoritarian monarchy, but the Bourbon eagerness for absolutism prompted Catalonia and Portugal to separate. In Germany, political-religious conflicts were constant. Conversely, England saw the triumph of the parliamentary system.

The French Model under Louis XIV

In France, the most serious revolt was that of the Fronde. Louis XIV was able to establish political absolutism, believing that God granted him power. He organized a centralized state where the heads of the orders received direct instructions. This centralization was economic, religious, cultural, and artistic. He implemented an increase in national industry and commerce to sustain his power.

Economic and Social Shifts

The economic situation varied across the continent. Some countries became wealthy, such as Holland and England, while others became impoverished, like Spain and Italy. In France, the checkered absolutist monarchy eventually ended the regime. The Third Estate (bourgeoisie) paid taxes, while peasants lived under harsh conditions, leading to the emergence of the urban proletariat with deplorable working conditions. During this era, the demographic balance was negative.

The Baroque Era and Philosophical Framework

The art of this era is the Baroque. Baroque art serves different social sectors and is a derivation of Renaissance art. It manifests the power of dominant groups, specifically the Catholic Church and the kings.

Science vs. Tradition

The contradictions of the century are also reflected in thought. With the new science, Earth became a star that wanders through space, and human beings lost their unique privileges. The political and religious conflicts of the epoch shaped social thought: absolutism was tied to Catholicism. While the official stance often pitted religion against science and philosophy, new academies began to embrace this scientific and philosophical evolution.