Studies in the Spanish Enlightenment

FAIN: FT-10714-70

Paul J. Hauben
University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA 95211-0110)

Study of the Spanish Enlightenment, the period during the second half of the 18th century when Spain attempted to catch up with the more advanced nations of western Europe and to regain at least part of her former imperial greatness. The 18th century saw the steady infiltration of the ideas of the Enlightenment in certain Spanish circles, but without anything like broad popular support. Increasingly concrete reform proposals were put forth, often attacking the Church (especially church land holdings). Fellow sees parallels between Spanish Enlightenment attempts and 20th century modernization in Spain and Latin America.