Absolutist monarchy

Definition

An absolutist monarchy is a form of government where a single ruler, usually a king or queen, holds absolute power over the state and its people, often justified by divine right. In this system, the monarch's authority is not subject to any checks or balances from other political entities, allowing them to enact laws, levy taxes, and govern without consent from a governing body or the populace. This concept connects deeply with historical events that challenged or reinforced such concentrated power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Absolutist monarchies peaked in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, with rulers like Louis XIV of France epitomizing the idea of a sovereign wielding complete authority.
2. The English Civil War was a direct challenge to absolutist rule, as it stemmed from conflicts between Parliament and King Charles I over issues of governance and authority.
3. The Glorious Revolution led to the establishment of constitutional monarchy in England, where power was shared between the monarchy and Parliament, countering absolutist principles.
4. Absolutist monarchs often maintained their power through patronage systems and alliances with the nobility while simultaneously reducing their influence to solidify control.
5. The decline of absolutist monarchies in Europe was influenced by emerging ideas of democracy and enlightenment principles advocating for individual rights and representative governance.

Review Questions

• How did absolutist monarchs justify their rule during the 17th century?
  • Absolutist monarchs often justified their rule through the doctrine of divine right, claiming that their authority was granted by God. This belief allowed them to assert that they were accountable only to God rather than to any earthly authority. By emphasizing this divine sanction, they could quell dissent and consolidate their power without the need for consent from the governed or any legislative body.
• Compare the outcomes of the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution in relation to absolutism.
  • The English Civil War resulted in a temporary overthrow of King Charles I and challenged the idea of absolutism by asserting Parliamentary supremacy. However, the Glorious Revolution ultimately led to a shift towards constitutional monarchy, where William and Mary accepted the Bill of Rights that limited royal powers. This marked a significant transition away from absolute rule towards a system that included checks on monarchical power.
• Evaluate the impact of Enlightenment thought on the decline of absolutist monarchies in Europe.
  • Enlightenment thinkers like Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu critiqued absolutist rule by advocating for natural rights, social contracts, and separation of powers. Their ideas inspired revolutions across Europe, promoting democratic principles that challenged the legitimacy of absolute monarchs. As these ideas gained traction among the populace and intellectual elite, they fostered movements aimed at establishing governments accountable to the people rather than concentrated power in a single ruler.

Related terms

Divine Right: The doctrine that kings derive their authority from God and are accountable only to Him, justifying their absolute rule.

Centralization: The process of consolidating power and authority in a central government or monarch, reducing the influence of local governments or nobility.

Feudalism: A social and economic system prevalent in medieval Europe, characterized by a hierarchy of lords, vassals, and serfs, which was often in conflict with the rise of absolutist monarchies.