During 1450-1750 did Western Europe develope a system were they could elect government postions,or were they still being sold or born into?
Western Europe did not have democratic governments until after 1750.
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During the period between 1450 and 1750, Western Europe underwent significant political changes. The system of acquiring government positions evolved during this time, transitioning from being primarily sold or inherited to establishing methods of election and merit-based appointments.
In the early part of this period, government positions in Western Europe were typically obtained through either purchase or hereditary status. Wealthy individuals could purchase titles or positions within the government, allowing them to hold important roles without necessarily possessing the required qualifications or experience. Similarly, positions of power were often passed down within noble families, limiting access to the elite few.
However, as time passed, new ideas and societal changes influenced Western Europe's political landscape. The Renaissance period, from the 14th to the 17th centuries, brought about a resurgence of interest in ancient Greek and Roman political thought. Concepts such as republicanism, the rule of law, and the idea of public service began to gain traction.
Furthermore, the Enlightenment, which took place during the 18th century, fostered the development of political theories that promoted individual rights, equality, and popular sovereignty. Thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau proposed ideas that challenged the traditional systems of governance.
These intellectual movements paved the way for political changes in Western Europe. Gradually, systems of election and merit-based appointments began to emerge. However, it is important to understand that the process varied across countries and was often limited to certain levels of government or specific positions.
For example, in England, the Glorious Revolution of 1688 resulted in the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and increased parliamentary power. Elections became an essential part of the political process, although the electorate was initially limited to a small group of male property owners. Over time, suffrage expanded to include more men and, eventually, women.
In countries like France, the system changed more dramatically with the French Revolution in 1789. The revolutionaries aimed to dismantle the old aristocratic order and established a system based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. However, it should be noted that the transition to a fully democratic system took time and went through various stages, including periods of dictatorship and limited franchise.
In summary, during the period between 1450 and 1750, Western Europe underwent a transformation in its political systems. The traditional practices of purchasing or inheriting government positions began to give way to systems of election and merit-based appointments, influenced by intellectual movements such as the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. However, the pace and extent of these changes varied across countries and positions of power.