POLITICAL ABSOLUTISM, OR WHY THE KING IS RIGHT

AND YOU’RE WRONG

POLITICAL ABSOLUTISM

Political absolutism is a form of autocracy, in which all power is concentrated in the hands of one person.

During the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, autocracy typically described a monarchy, or form of royal governance.

Emperors, kings, and queens could all be autocrats.

King Leopold I of Belgium

ELEMENTS OF AUTOCRACY. Difficulty of autocracy: maintaining a grip on power.

Autocracies typically rely on preexisting powers – the priesthood, nobles, and royalty – to assert control over the state.

Others use divine right to assert their control – that is, that they are endowed by God with the right to rule.

Louis XIV as the Sun King.

DIVINE RIGHT

Divine Right is the idea that a King has been specially selected by God to rule over his people.

Catholic interpretation: Old Testament talks of a lineage of kings created by God. New Testament shows Peter submitting to the rule of the Roman Emperor. Popes throughout time have submitted to kings.

King Charles I.

DIVINE RIGHT (CONT.)

Protestant Interpretation: King endowed to rule by God through a Christian coronation. Anointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

BISHOP JACQUES BENIGNE BOSSUET

Court preacher for Louis XIV – justified his absolute power through divine right.

Tutor to the King’s oldest child, Dauphin, who was a bit of a jerk.

Argued in his political treatise that kings receive their power from God, making him a favorite in Louis’ court.

“LE GRAND DAUPHIN,” STUDENT OF BISHOP BOSSUET

MODERN DAY ABSOLUTISM

In the 20th and 21st centuries, there have been many forms of political absolutism internationally.Kim Jong Un – North KoreaRobert Mugabe – Zimbabwe Fidel Castro – Cuba Joseph Stalin – USSR Adolf Hitler – Nazi Germany