2.1 Centralization of Power and Administrative Reforms

The rise of absolutism marked a pivotal shift in European governance. Monarchs consolidated power, transitioning from feudalism to centralized rule. This era saw the emergence of new administrative structures, bureaucracies, and standing armies, all designed to strengthen royal authority.

These changes laid the foundation for modern nation-states. Monarchs implemented reforms in taxation, military organization, and government administration. These efforts centralized power, reduced the influence of nobility, and set the stage for the absolute monarchies that would dominate European politics in the coming centuries.

Rise of Absolutism

Transition from Feudalism to Centralized Monarchies

Top images from around the web for Transition from Feudalism to Centralized Monarchies

• 

  Tập tin:Europe in the 16th century.jpg – Wikipedia tiếng Việt View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Feudalism in Europe - CDA's World History Wiki View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Royal intermarriage - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tập tin:Europe in the 16th century.jpg – Wikipedia tiếng Việt View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Feudalism in Europe - CDA's World History Wiki View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Transition from Feudalism to Centralized Monarchies

• 

  Tập tin:Europe in the 16th century.jpg – Wikipedia tiếng Việt View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Feudalism in Europe - CDA's World History Wiki View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Royal intermarriage - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Tập tin:Europe in the 16th century.jpg – Wikipedia tiếng Việt View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Feudalism in Europe - CDA's World History Wiki View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• New Monarchies emerged in the 15th and 16th centuries as a transition from decentralized feudal systems to centralized monarchical rule
• Absolutism, a political theory holding that the monarch should hold absolute power and not be restricted by laws or a constitution, gained prominence during this period
• Centralized government structures developed, with power concentrated in the hands of the monarch rather than distributed among feudal lords
• Royal courts became the center of political, social, and cultural life, with the monarch surrounded by advisors, courtiers, and artists
• Decline of feudalism occurred as monarchs consolidated their power and authority, reducing the influence and autonomy of feudal lords

Consolidation of Power by Monarchs

• Monarchs sought to consolidate their power and establish their absolute authority over their realms
• Centralization of power involved bringing various regions, provinces, and feudal domains under direct royal control
• Monarchs aimed to limit the power of rival institutions such as the nobility, the Church, and representative assemblies
• Establishing a centralized bureaucracy and administrative system allowed monarchs to exert greater control over their territories
• Monarchs used various means to assert their authority, including political maneuvering, military force, and strategic marriages and alliances

Administrative Reforms

Bureaucratic Development

• Monarchs implemented administrative reforms to establish a more efficient and centralized bureaucracy
• Professional bureaucrats were appointed based on merit and loyalty to the monarch rather than hereditary positions
• Specialized government departments and ministries were created to handle specific aspects of governance (finance, foreign affairs, justice)
• Bureaucratic hierarchies were established, with clear lines of authority and accountability to the monarch
• Standardized administrative procedures and record-keeping systems were introduced to ensure consistency and control

Taxation and Revenue Collection

• Monarchs sought to increase their revenue through more effective taxation systems
• Centralized tax collection agencies were established to ensure a steady flow of funds to the royal treasury
• New taxes were introduced, such as direct taxes on land and property, indirect taxes on goods and services (salt tax in France), and customs duties on trade
• Tax farming, the practice of leasing tax collection rights to private individuals in exchange for a fixed sum, was employed to maximize revenue collection
• Improved record-keeping and accounting methods were implemented to monitor and control state finances

Military Developments

Rise of Standing Armies

• Monarchs increasingly relied on standing armies, permanent military forces maintained even in peacetime, to assert their authority and defend their realms
• Standing armies replaced the feudal system of military service, where nobles provided troops to the monarch on a temporary basis
• Professional soldiers were recruited, trained, and equipped by the state, ensuring a more reliable and disciplined fighting force
• Technological advancements in weaponry, such as firearms and artillery, enhanced the effectiveness of standing armies
• Monarchs used their standing armies to suppress internal rebellions, wage wars against rival states, and expand their territories

Military Administration and Logistics

• Centralized military administration was established to manage the recruitment, training, and deployment of troops
• Specialized military departments were created to handle logistics, supplies, and equipment
• Standardized uniforms, ranks, and command structures were introduced to ensure discipline and cohesion within the armed forces
• Military academies and training institutions were established to provide professional education for officers
• Improved supply chains and transportation networks were developed to support military campaigns and ensure the provision of food, ammunition, and other necessities