Absolutism is a political theory and system of governance that emerged in Europe during the 16th century and reached its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is characterized by the concentration of power and authority in the hands of a single ruler or monarch who has absolute control over the state and its subjects. Absolutism is based on the belief in the divine right of kings, which holds that monarchs derive their authority from God and are therefore above the law and not subject to the will of the people.
The idea of absolutism developed in response to the political and social upheavals of the early modern period, which were characterized by religious conflicts, wars, and economic instability. Absolutist rulers sought to centralize and strengthen the power of the state in order to maintain order and stability and to promote economic growth and military strength. They saw themselves as the embodiment of the state and as responsible for the welfare of their subjects.
Absolutism was characterized by a number of key features. First and foremost was the concept of sovereignty, which held that the monarch was the ultimate authority in the state and had the power to make and enforce laws without the need for parliamentary or popular consent. This was based on the belief that the monarch was chosen by God and was therefore infallible and could not be held accountable to anyone.
Another key feature of absolutism was centralization of power. This involved the concentration of power in the hands of the monarch, who was supported by a strong administrative and bureaucratic system. This allowed the monarch to govern the state effectively and to maintain control over its subjects.
Absolutist rulers also sought to promote economic growth and development. They implemented policies designed to increase agricultural production, promote trade and commerce, and encourage manufacturing and industry. They also invested heavily in infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and canals, in order to facilitate trade and commerce.
Absolutism was also characterized by a strong military presence. Absolutist rulers believed that a strong military was essential for maintaining the security of the state and protecting it from external threats. They invested heavily in the military and built up large standing armies that were used to enforce their will both at home and abroad.
Absolutism was not without its critics, however. Many people saw it as a form of tyranny and oppression. They argued that the monarchs were accountable to no one and could act with impunity, regardless of the wishes of their subjects. They also argued that absolutist rule stifled political freedom and prevented the development of democratic institutions.
Despite these criticisms, absolutism remained a dominant political theory and system of governance for much of the early modern period. It reached its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in France under the rule of Louis XIV, who is often seen as the archetypal absolutist monarch.
Louis XIV’s reign is often referred to as the “Age of Absolutism”. During his long reign, he centralized power in his own hands, built a strong administrative and bureaucratic system, and promoted economic growth and development. He also invested heavily in the military, building a large standing army and using it to expand French territory and influence.
Louis XIV’s reign was not without its controversies, however. Many people criticized his policies and accused him of tyranny and oppression. He was also involved in a number of wars, including the War of the Spanish Succession and the War of the League of Augsburg, which drained France’s resources and caused considerable suffering and hardship.
Despite its flaws and controversies, absolutism played an important role in the development of modern European states. It laid the groundwork for the emergence of the modern bureaucratic state, and helped to create the conditions for the development of industrial capitalism and modern democracy.