The Old Regime Explained

Understanding the Old Regime

The term Old Regime (or Ancien Régime) designates the period of history before the French Revolution, the liberal revolutions, and industrialization.

Defining the Old Regime

It extends from the late fifteenth century to the late eighteenth century. In Spain during this period, the Austrian and Bourbon dynasties reigned.

Government and Power

The Old Regime was characterized by absolute monarchy as the form of government. However, this was mediated by the strong presence of the Church in public life and the existence of representative institutions at different levels, such as the courts.

The Agrarian Economy

The economy was largely agrarian, engaging more than 80% of the population. The principal landowners were the nobility and the Church.

Land Ownership & Peasantry

Most of the land could not be bought or sold, being transmitted through inheritance, which made access to land difficult for farmers. Many farmers lived in seigneuries, under the jurisdiction of the lords, and had to pay the corresponding tax for land use. Most of the peasantry held new leases or worked as day laborers, and their condition varied depending on the area and the type of contract they were subject to.

Industry and Trade

Craft industry and trade had serious problems due to the slowness and lack of adequate transportation.

Society of Estates

Society continued to maintain the division into Estates, and two essential features were legal inequality and immobility.

The Privileged Orders

The privileged groups (nobility and clergy) owned most of the property, did not pay taxes, and were exempt from public charges.

• The Clergy (2% of the population) controlled over 40% of landed property.
• The Nobility, to which one belonged by birth or royal appointment, did not exceed 5% of the population but held extensive properties.

The Third Estate

The Third Estate was the most heterogeneous group and comprised the rest of the population, including peasants, burghers, and craftsmen. They bore most of the economic burdens of the state but were excluded from political decisions. The farmers, who were the majority, were subject to a feudal regime that forced them to surrender most of their income.

Rise of the Bourgeoisie

Throughout the eighteenth century, the commercial and industrial bourgeoisie developed due to improving economic activity, but it held no significant weight beyond the scope of some cities engaged in trade.

The End of the Old Regime

The end of the Old Regime came with the emergence of liberalism and the triumph of capitalism.