Relier Pairs The Old RegimenVersion en ligne The Enlightenment par Gehistart Artgeo 1 Enlightened despotism monarchs 2 They therefore criticised some aspects of absolutism, the privileges of the nobility and the clergy, and the strict rules of guilds 3 Their reforms attempted to modernise Spain (new land was farmed in Sierra Morena, the privileges of the Mesta were reduced) 4 He defended a strong monarchy with respect for civil liberties. He believed strongly in freedom of expression and rejected fanaticism and intolerance 5 Natural rights 6 He defended freedom and equality. He believed society corrupts human beings, who are naturally good. Sovereignty should reside in the people. For the benefit of the community, the people allow a higher authority to govern in their name 7 These private associations of enlightened thinkers met to discuss a variety of subjects. 8 It should be applied to all areas of life 9 Education and the experimental science 10 Knowledge 11 He defended the separation of powers: legislative power should be held by a representative Parliament, executive power by the King, and judicial power by independent judges 12 He initiated a wide-ranging reform programme that made him Spain's greatest enlightened despo They were considered vital for ongoing human progress. Enlightenment thinkers Belonged to all human being It was the key to happiness Economic Societies of Friends of the Country They founded new educational institutions, modernised their bureaucracies and expropriated unused lands Reason
