Il Settecento e l'assolutismo

Summary

The 18th century in Europe was a time of dramatic political, military, and cultural change. Key events include the rise of Prussia, territorial conflicts, and the power struggles between European nations. Enlightenment ideas, such as the advocacy for reason, the questioning of traditional authority, and the promotion of reforms, also gained momentum. Intellectuals like Beccaria and Diderot challenged social norms, while rulers like Joseph II issued progressive reforms. These transformations set the stage for modern European states and cultural movements, shaping the course of history well into the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 18th century was marked by significant geopolitical transformations, leading to the rise of new nations and the outbreak of dynastic conflicts.
• 😀 At the start of the century, Prussia emerged as a new kingdom, and England's Parliament established legal criteria for the succession of the crown.
• 😀 In Russia, Peter the Great inspired by modern European states, initiated reforms to modernize his country in terms of administration, culture, and economy.
• 😀 Following the death of the Polish king, a succession dispute escalated into a war between European powers, leading to the division of Poland between Russia and Austria.
• 😀 Austria lost control of Naples, but the new geopolitical balance remained fragile, with ongoing tensions between Austria and Prussia for dominance in the Germanic region.
• 😀 A coalition of Austria, Russia, and France opposed the alliance between England and Prussia, leading to a prolonged conflict over European and colonial control.
• 😀 By the end of the conflict, Prussia emerged as a major power in the Germanic region, while England became the dominant force in America.
• 😀 In the second half of the 18th century, Enlightenment ideals gained momentum, challenging superstition and prejudice in favor of reason and scientific knowledge.
• 😀 Intellectuals such as Diderot and D'Alembert spread Enlightenment ideas through the publication of books, journals, and the famous 'Encyclopedia,' which sought to disseminate all human knowledge.
• 😀 Absolute monarchs and Enlightenment thinkers initiated reforms to rationalize and modernize the old regimes, often facing opposition from the aristocracy and the church.
• 😀 The Italian philosopher Cesare Beccaria criticized the use of the death penalty and torture, advocating for socially beneficial sanctions. A few years later, Emperor Joseph II issued the Edict of Tolerance, granting religious freedom and citizenship to all minorities.

Q & A

What were the key geopolitical transformations in the 18th century as mentioned in the transcript?

The 18th century saw the rise of new nations like Prussia, the division of Poland between Russia and Austria, and the outbreak of dynastic conflicts. The era also witnessed the shifting balance of power between Austria, Prussia, France, and England.

What role did Peter the Great of Russia play in shaping his country during this period?

Peter the Great was inspired by modern European states to transform Russia administratively, culturally, and economically. He focused on developing commerce and navigation, modernizing Russia to align with Western Europe.

What conflict arose after the death of the King of Poland and how did it affect Europe?

Following the death of the King of Poland, a succession crisis triggered a war between European powers. This resulted in Poland being divided between Russia and Austria, and led to a broader power struggle across Europe.

How did the war of succession in Austria lead to further geopolitical tensions?

When Emperor Charles VI of Austria designated his daughter Maria Theresa as his successor, the imperial nobility refused to recognize her as sovereign. This led to a long war, deepening the rivalry between Austria and Prussia for dominance in the German region.

What were the outcomes of the coalitions formed during the wars in the 18th century?

The coalitions between Austria, Russia, and France on one side, and England and Prussia on the other, led to shifting alliances. After the wars, Prussia emerged as a dominant power in the German area, while England secured its hegemony in the Americas.

What intellectual movement began to spread in the second half of the 18th century, and what was its focus?

The Enlightenment, characterized by the spread of secular rationalism, emerged in the second half of the 18th century. It emphasized reason over superstition and sought to challenge traditional power structures, including the monarchy and the church.

How did Enlightenment thinkers like Diderot and d'Alembert contribute to the spread of new ideas?

Diderot and d'Alembert edited the 'Encyclopédie,' a comprehensive work that aimed to compile all human knowledge, focusing on science and rational thought. This work played a significant role in disseminating Enlightenment ideas across Europe.

What was Cesare Beccaria's stance on criminal justice, and how did it reflect Enlightenment values?

Cesare Beccaria criticized the use of torture and the death penalty, advocating for punishment that was socially useful. His ideas aligned with Enlightenment values of rationality and reform in the criminal justice system.

What reform did Joseph II of Austria introduce to promote religious tolerance?

Joseph II issued the Edict of Toleration, which granted religious freedom and citizenship to all minorities, reflecting Enlightened Absolutism and an effort to reduce the power of the church and promote social inclusion.

What lasting impact did the wars and intellectual movements of the 18th century have on Europe?

The wars reshaped the balance of power in Europe, with the rise of Prussia and Britain as dominant powers. The intellectual movements of the Enlightenment laid the foundation for modern political and social reforms, emphasizing individual rights, reason, and secular governance.