1. Beginnings of Absolutism
Gregg Halkuff
FVHS
2015

2. What is Absolutism?
The rulers of Europe wanted to be absolute monarchs
Kings or queens who believed that all power within their state’s boundaries rested in their hands.
Their #1 goal was to control ALL aspects of society
Believed in divine right  God created the monarchy and that the monarch acted as God’s representative on earth.
Only answer to God, not to his or her subjects

3. Growing Power
As Europe emerged from the Middle Ages, monarchies became more powerful:
Decline of feudalism
Rise of cities
And growth of national kingdoms
Also, new middle class backed monarchs  peaceful, supportive climate for business
Monarchs used the wealth of colonies to pay for their ambitions
Also, Church authority broke down in the late Middle Ages
Allowing for more control by rulers
Helped centralize authority

4. Crises lead to Absolutism
17th Cent. was a time of constant warfare (both religious and territorial)
Led to monarchs trying to impose order by increasing their power
New government bureaucracies
Increased size of courts
And free themselves from limitations imposed by nobility and representative bodies (e.g. Parliament).