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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