Strengthening of Royal Power in the 16th and 17th Centuries: Absolutism in Europe
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Europe saw the strengthening of royal power, leading to a form of governance known as absolutism. Absolutism is a system in which all authority is concentrated in the hands of one person—the monarch. Let’s explore how this process unfolded in England and France and what consequences it had for these countries.
What is Absolutism?
Absolutism means that all supreme authority belongs to the monarch without any restrictions. The monarch becomes the head of state, concentrating all crucial functions: appointing officials, controlling the army, collecting taxes, and making laws.
However, in practice, the absolute power of the monarch was not always complete. Even in states with the most developed absolutism, there were limitations, such as the need to consider the opinions of a council or parliament.
How Did Absolutism Develop in England and France?
In England, the process of establishing absolutism began under Henry VIII of the Tudor dynasty. He brought distant territories, such as the northern counties and Wales, under royal control. Tudor kings disbanded knightly forces and confiscated the lands of rebellious nobles. Henry VIII and his daughter, Queen Elizabeth I, tried to maintain good relations with Parliament, though Elizabeth saw it as a “necessary inconvenience.”
When the crown passed to James I of the Stuart dynasty, tensions between the king and Parliament began to rise. James I openly showed his disdain for Parliament and aimed for absolute power. This led to a conflict between the royal authority and Parliament, which later triggered a civil war in England.
In France, absolute monarchy took shape by the 16th century. King Francis I rarely convened the Estates-General (a representative body), demonstrating his unrestricted authority. Under Louis XIV, who declared himself the “Sun King,” absolutism reached its peak. Louis XIV controlled all aspects of state life and aimed for centralization, sending his representatives—intendants—to the provinces to govern locally.
How Did Monarchs Control Power in Their Countries?
Monarchs introduced new rules and created state institutions to strengthen their authority.
*Judicial System:* In England, the Star Chamber was established to enforce laws and suppress rebellions. In France, there were 17 parliaments that reviewed laws and could challenge the king’s decisions. Louis XIV fought against these parliaments, limiting their rights and sending their members into exile.
*Officials:* In England and France, governance was carried out through officials. In France, their number was significantly larger, and positions were often sold or inherited. This helped the king control all aspects of life.
*Religion:* Monarchs used religion to strengthen their power. They claimed that their authority was of divine origin and sought to convince the people of their legitimacy.
Army and Finances at the Service of the Monarch
*Army:* In England, there was no standing army; kings created one only in times of war. Unlike England, France had a standing army consisting of mercenaries. Maintaining the army required significant expenses, increasing the tax burden on the population.
*Taxes:* French kings levied taxes on peasants, craftsmen, and the bourgeoisie. There were direct taxes (on land and property) and indirect ones (like on salt). The tax system became increasingly severe, and by the 17th century, the crown's revenues had significantly increased.
Absolutism and the Creation of Nation-States
The age of absolutism was a time of creating nation-states with clear borders, one religion, and a common culture. England and France became examples of such states, where absolute monarchs controlled all aspects of society.
In Germany and Italy, the situation was different: there were fragmented state formations under the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. In some of them, the monarchs retained almost unlimited power.
Conclusions and Significance of Absolutism
Absolutism became an important stage in European history. It contributed to the creation of strong centralized states that were able to establish order and avoid destructive wars. However, this system of power also had its drawbacks: increased taxes, restriction of freedoms, and greater state control over society.
Monarchs like Louis XIV in France and Henry VIII in England became symbols of the age of absolutism; their reigns forever changed the course of European history.
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