European Monarchs and Divine Right Absolutism in Europe European Monarchs and Divine Right

Definition of Absolutism Absolutism is the belief that one ruler should hold all the power within the boundaries of a country.

Definition of Divine Right The idea that God created the monarchy and that the monarch acted as God’s representative on earth. Monarchs should answer only to God, not his or her subjects.

Causes: Long-Term Decline of feudalism Rise of cities and support of middle class Growth of national kingdoms Loss of Church authority

Causes: Short-Term/Immediate Religious and territorial conflict Buildup of armies Need for increased taxes Revolts by peasants or nobles

Effects: Short-Term/Immediate Regulation of society & religion Larger courts Huge building projects Loss of power by nobility & legislatures

Effects: Long-Term Revolution in France Western European influence on Russia English political reforms that influence U.S. democracy