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Absolutism on the RisePOWER, WEALTH, AND GLORY
Defining TermsWHAT IS ABSOLUTISM, AND
HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM
OTHER FORMS OF
GOVERNMENT?
Defining Absolutism
Absolutism: a form of government in which the monarchy has all the power of the
state.
Single, powerful monarch
Executive, judicial, and legislative power
In Europe, defended through the Divine Right of Kings → monarchs ruled by the grace
of God, and to oppose or limit their power was a sin
Form of government common around the world between the late 16th and 19th
centuries
Marks a transition between the old, feudal world and the new, industrial world
Found in France, Spain, the HRE (Austria and Prussia), Russia, the Ottoman Empire, the
Mughal Empire, the Safavid Empire, and Japan
Why did absolutism develop?
Reaction to political instability and revolt → strong, centralized ruler to prevent further
unrest
France → Wars of Religion (Catholics vs. Protestants)
Spain → Reconquista
HRE → 30 Years’ War (Catholics vs. Protestants)
Ottoman Empire → Conquest of diverse religious / ethnic group
Mughal Empire → Consolidating power over Muslim minority, Hindu majority
Japan → Unifying and controlling feudal lords (shoguns)
Why did absolutism develop?
Absolutism is PRACTICAL:
Efficient → who makes decisions? OH, WAIT, THE KING.
If your monarch is smart and thoughtful, this can be a very GOOD system of government
Absolute monarchs who ruled with the people in mind → “enlightened despots”
Absolutism is POWERFUL:
Requires military force → therefore, standing armies
Absolutism establishes GOVERNMENT STRUCTURES:
Standing army → taxation → state bureaucracies
Major problems with absolutism:
Unfit and irresponsible rulers with unlimited political power
Poor decision-making → reliance on advisors who may be corrupt
Ex: the Habsburgs in Spain and HRE → SEVERE inbreeding → incompetence
Ex: Jahangir in Mughal Empire → substance abuse problems, easily manipulated
Persistent over-spending and HEAVY taxation
Power demonstrated through construction projects and lavish artwork
Ex: Versailles, the Taj Mahal
Frequent wars of expansion → military expenses
Taxes almost always target the POOR, not the RICH
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