This document provides an overview of the political, social, and economic systems that were prevalent in many parts of Europe prior to the 18th century, known as the Old Regime. It describes the society as being divided into three estates - clergy, nobility, and commoners - with an agrarian economy and absolute monarchs. It also discusses the systems of government that existed, including absolutism, English parliamentarism, and the Dutch Republic. Additionally, it covers the War of Spanish Succession over the throne following the death of the Spanish king without an heir, as well as the beginnings of enlightened despotism under the early Bourbon rulers in Spain.

1. 1 THE OLD REGIME

2. 1 THE OLD REGIME
1. The Old Regime
2. Systems of government
3. Enlightenment
4. The war of Spanish Succession
5. Enlightened despotism in Spain

3. 1 THE OLD REGIME

4. 1. The Old Regime
“Political, social and economic system that
was found in many parts of Europe up to the
18th century”
Based on:
● Society divided in three estates
● Agrarian economy
● Absolute monarchs

5. The society of states
Main characteristics
Privilege
Lack of mobility
Some Differences Inside Each Group

6. The society of states
Task: Write around 5lines justifying orclaiming againstyour social position

7. The agrarian sector
● Subsistence farming: grew grains
using basic tools
● Widespread famine:
depended on the climate
● Entire state has to be
inherited
● Clergy´s land could
not be sold
● Lot of land was
unproductive

8. Artisan activity and trade
● Guilds: obstacle to
innovation
● Domestic system: textile
products
● Royal factories: luxury for
the monarchy
● Foreign trade with America
and Asia
● Triangular trade

9. Artisan activity and trade
● Guilds: obstacle to
innovation
● Domestic system: textile
products
● Royal factories: luxury for
the monarchy
● Foreign trade with America
and Asia: huge profits
● Triangular trade

10. 2. Systems of government
Absolutism was the main system
in Europe on 18th century.
However some countries started
making progress
Absolutism
● Kings owned all the powers
(legislative, executive and
judicial) by divine right
● Their economic policies were
based on mercantilism

11. 2. Systems of government

12. English paliamentarism

14. The Dutch Republic

15. The Dutch Republic
It was a confederation of seven provinces, which
had their own governments and were very
independent.
These latter were governed directly by the
States-General (Staten-Generaal in Dutch), the
federal government.
The States-General were seated in The Hague and
consisted of representatives of each of the seven
provinces.

18. 4. The war of Spanish Succession
In 1700 Carlos II died without children

20. 4. The war of Spanish Succession

21. BORBONS IN SPAIN

23. 4. The war of Spanish Succession

25. 5. Enlightened despotism in Spain
THE FAMILY OF FELIPE IV

26. THE FAMILY OF
CARLOS IV

27. Early Bourbon rule
FUENTE