Ancien Régime Society and Absolutism

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing the social structure, political system, and economic practices of the Ancien Régime during the 18th century.

Ancien Régime

The political, social, and economic system originating from medieval feudalism that characterized 18th-century Europe, defined by absolute monarchy, an estates-based society, an agrarian economy, and traditional religious thought.

Absolutism

A political system of the Ancien Régime where all state power was concentrated entirely in the monarch, who ruled without legislative limits or civil rights for subjects.

Estates-Based Society (Societat Estamental)

A social structure divided hierarchically into legal orders or estates: the privileged classes (monarch, high and low clergy, nobility) and the non-privileged classes (bourgeoisie, urban workers, and peasants).

Privileged Estate

The social group consisting of the nobility and clergy who paid no taxes, held land ownership, enjoyed royal privileges, and participated in political, military, or religious affairs rather than manual labor.

Non-Privileged Estate

The social class comprising the bourgeoisie, artisans, and peasants who paid taxes, lacked legal privileges, worked for a living, and were subjected to feudal or royal authority.

Louis XIV

The King of France (1638–1715) known as the 'Sun King' who famously declared 'I am the State' ('L'Estat sóc Jo') and served as the prime model of absolute monarchy in Europe.

Palace of Versailles

The grand palace built by Louis XIV featuring sun emblems throughout, serving as the center of royal court life, lavish banquets, and absolute political power.

Hall of Mirrors (Saló dels Miralls)

An architectural landmark in the Palace of Versailles where mirrors multiplied window light, creating a famous hall where nobility waited to see the king.

Bourgeoisie

An emerging 18th-century non-privileged social class involved in trade, banking, and business that accumulated significant economic wealth and eventually sought political power through revolutions.

Triangular Trade

A major 18th-century transatlantic trade network connecting Europe, West Africa, and the Americas, trading manufactured goods, enslaved people, and colonial goods like sugar and rum.

Guild (Gremi)

An urban association of craftsmen that regulated production rules, prices, and training, offering mutual aid to members during illness or accidents while prohibiting private competition.

Master Artisan (Mestre artesà)

A qualified male craftsman with an official title who owned an urban workshop and store, maintained family workers and apprentices, and adhered to strict guild regulations.

Artisan House and Workshop

A typical urban dwelling of a craftsman containing a ground-floor shop and workshop with living quarters, kitchen, and storage on upper levels.

Peasantry (Pagesia)

The largest segment of the Ancien Régime population (around 90%) living in rural areas under feudal lords, subjected to heavy taxes, manual farm work, and insecure living conditions.

Three-Field Crop Rotation (Rotació triennal)

An ancestral agricultural method dividing arable land into three fields rotated yearly between cereals, legumes, and fallow (guaret) to restore soil fertility naturally.