What Is Absolutism?

In the 1600s, a new kind of government began to rise in Europe: absolutism. Under this system, a king or queen held total power over the country. Unlike earlier governments where nobles, church leaders, or councils had influence, an absolute monarch made laws, collected taxes, controlled the military, and enforced justice—all without approval from others.

Absolute monarchs believed their authority came directly from God, not from the people. This belief helped them claim that questioning their rule was the same as questioning God’s will.

How It Was Different from Earlier Rule

Before the rise of absolutism, many European countries had shared systems of power. Kings often had to consult with nobles or parliaments before making big decisions. The church also held great influence, especially in the Middle Ages. In places like England, the Magna Carta had placed limits on the king’s power centuries earlier.

But during the 1600s, things began to shift. Wars, religious conflicts, and rebellions made some monarchs feel that only a strong, central ruler could keep peace and control. Absolutism gave rulers the power to act quickly and forcefully—without asking for permission.

The Divine Right of Kings

To justify their power, absolute monarchs used the idea of the divine right of kings. This meant they claimed their authority came straight from God. Since God had chosen them to rule, they believed they didn’t need approval from nobles, parliaments, or citizens.

This idea helped kings and queens avoid blame. If things went wrong, they could say it was part of God's plan. And because their power was seen as holy, rebellion against a monarch was often treated as a sin.

Examples of Absolutism

One of the best-known absolute monarchs was Louis XIV of France. He ruled for over 70 years and became known as the “Sun King.” He famously said, “I am the state,” meaning that he believed all government power rested in him. Louis controlled the military, built a huge palace at Versailles, and made himself the center of French life and culture.

In other countries, rulers like Peter the Great of Russia and Philip II of Spain also used absolutist ideas to strengthen their control. They expanded their armies, built grand buildings, and kept tight control over religion and the economy.

Why It Mattered

Absolutism changed how power worked in Europe. It increased the strength of monarchs but often limited the rights of common people. Over time, this led to resistance and revolution. While absolute rulers claimed divine support, their unchecked power also sparked debates about fairness, freedom, and the purpose of government—debates that would shape the future of Europe and the world.

Source: The Foundations of Absolutism
Exploros, Inc.