Assignment on Absolute monarchy in Europe (CC8)

Name :Bidisha mukhia

22HS0009
4TH SEMESTER 2024
0112205010143

What was absolute monarchy in the countries like France , England, Spain, Russia
and Prussia?

INTRODUCTION

Absolute monarchy is a governance system where a single ruler, typically a king or queen,
holds supreme authority over the state and its people, with their power being unrestricted by
laws, legislatures, or customs. The monarch has total control over all aspects of government,
including making laws, levying taxes, administering justice, and managing state affairs.
Often, the ruler claims their authority is derived from a higher power, usually God,
legitimizing their rule and discouraging opposition. To maintain control, absolute monarchs
establish efficient bureaucracies and centralised administrative systems, curtail the power of
the nobility by incorporating them into the state’s administration or court, and maintain a
strong, centralised military under their direct control

Absolute monarchy in France was a political system where the king held all the power and
authority, with little to no checks from other institutions such as parliaments or religious
bodies. This system reached its peak during the reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715), known as
the "Sun King," who famously declared, "L'État, c'est moi" ("I am the state").

Under absolute monarchy, the king had control over all aspects of governance, including
laws, taxes, justice, foreign policy, and the military. The system was characterised by:

1. Centralised Power: The king centralised political power in the monarchy, diminishing the
influence of the nobility and other feudal lords.

2. Divine Right of Kings: The king's authority was considered to be granted by God, which
justified his absolute rule and discouraged rebellion.

3. **Administrative Reforms**: Monarchs like Louis XIV implemented extensive

administrative reforms to streamline governance and increase efficiency, often relying on a
bureaucracy of loyal officials.

4. **Control of the Nobility**: To prevent the nobility from challenging royal authority, kings
often co-opted them into court life at places like the Palace of Versailles, where they could
be closely monitored and kept dependent on royal favour.
5. **Patronage of the Arts and Culture**: Absolute monarchs often sponsored cultural and
artistic endeavours to display their power and magnificence.

The absolute monarchy in France began to decline in the 18th century, particularly under the
later Bourbon kings like Louis XV and Louis XVI, due to financial crises, social inequalities,
and Enlightenment ideas challenging the legitimacy of absolute rule. This decline ultimately
culminated in the French Revolution (1789-1799), which led to the fall of the monarchy and
the establishment of a republic.

Absolute monarchy in England was a political system where the monarch had almost
unrestricted authority over the government and society, though it was never as fully realised
as in France. The period most associated with attempts at absolute monarchy in England
was during the reigns of the Stuart kings in the 17th century.

Key points about absolute monarchy in England include:

1. **The Stuart Monarchs**: James I (1603-1625) and Charles I (1625-1649) are the most
notable monarchs who attempted to establish absolute rule in England. They believed in the
divine right of kings, which asserted that their authority came directly from God and was not
subject to earthly constraints.

2. **Conflict with Parliament**: The efforts of the Stuart monarchs to rule without
parliamentary consent led to significant conflict. This was particularly evident in their
attempts to levy taxes and implement policies without parliamentary approval.

3. **The English Civil War (1642-1651)**: The tension between the monarchy and
Parliament erupted into civil war. Supporters of the king (Royalists) fought against supporters
of Parliament (Parliamentarians). The war ended with the defeat of the Royalists, the trial
and execution of Charles I, and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver
Cromwell.

4. **The Interregnum (1649-1660)**: Following the civil war, England was briefly a republic.
Oliver Cromwell ruled as Lord Protector in a de facto military dictatorship, which was a form
of centralised, albeit not monarchical, rule.

5. **The Restoration (1660)**: The monarchy was restored with Charles II, but the power
struggle between the crown and Parliament continued. Charles II and his successor James II
faced significant opposition from Parliament.

6. **The Glorious Revolution (1688)**: The attempt by James II to reassert monarchical

authority led to his ouster in the Glorious Revolution. William of Orange and his wife Mary
(James II's daughter) were invited to take the throne on the condition that they accept the
supremacy of Parliament.
7. **Constitutional Monarchy**: The Glorious Revolution resulted in the establishment of a
constitutional monarchy. The Bill of Rights (1689) laid the foundation for a political system in
which the monarchy was limited by laws and balanced by the authority of Parliament. This
effectively ended attempts at absolute monarchy in England.

Thus, while there were significant efforts toward absolute monarchy in England, they were
ultimately unsuccessful, leading instead to the development of a constitutional monarchy
where the king or queen ruled in partnership with Parliament and was subject to the rule of
law.

Absolute monarchy in Russia, particularly during the Tsarist period, was characterized by
the centralization of power in the hands of the Tsar, who wielded extensive control over the
state's administration, military, and society. Key aspects of absolute monarchy in Russia
include:

1. **The Tsar's Autocratic Power**: The Tsar was considered an autocrat with absolute
authority over all aspects of governance. This included control over the legislative, executive,
and judicial branches of government. The Tsar's word was law, and he was seen as both the
political and spiritual leader of the nation.

2. **Ivan the Terrible (1533-1584)**: Ivan IV, known as Ivan the Terrible, was the first ruler to
be officially crowned as Tsar of All Russia. His reign marked the beginning of the autocratic
tradition in Russia. He centralized power, reduced the influence of the boyar nobility, and
expanded Russian territory through conquest.

3. **Peter the Great (1682-1725)**: Peter I, known as Peter the Great, is one of the most
significant figures in establishing absolute monarchy in Russia. He undertook extensive
reforms to modernize Russia, including reorganizing the government, creating a standing
army, and establishing a navy. He also moved the capital to St. Petersburg, symbolizing a
new, Western-oriented Russia.

4. **Catherine the Great (1762-1796)**: Catherine II continued the trend of absolute rule,
expanding Russian territory and promoting Westernization. Despite her interest in
Enlightenment ideas, she maintained strict control over the nobility and the peasantry,
reinforcing the autocratic system.

5. **Serfdom**: Under absolute monarchy, serfdom was a key component of Russian

society. Peasants were tied to the land and subject to the control of the nobility, which
reinforced the Tsar's power by ensuring the loyalty of the landowning class.

6. **Orthodox Church**: The Russian Orthodox Church was closely linked with the state.
The Tsar was seen as the protector of the faith, and the church supported the autocracy,
legitimizing the Tsar's rule.
7. **Resistance and Reform**: Despite the centralized power, there were periodic uprisings
and calls for reform. Notable examples include the Pugachev Rebellion (1773-1775) and the
Decembrist Revolt (1825). These movements were often brutally suppressed, maintaining
the autocratic system.

8. **Nicholas I (1825-1855)**: Nicholas I epitomized autocracy with his policies of Orthodoxy,

Autocracy, and Nationality, emphasizing the Tsar's unchallengeable authority and promoting
Russian nationalism.

9. **Alexander II and Reform**: The assassination of Tsar Alexander II in 1881, despite his
attempts at reform such as the emancipation of the serfs in 1861, highlighted the tensions
within Russian society. His successors reverted to more repressive measures to maintain
control.

10. **End of the Absolute Monarchy**: The 1905 Revolution forced Tsar Nicholas II to
establish the Duma (parliament), but real power remained with the Tsar. The final collapse
came with the 1917 Russian Revolution, leading to the abdication of Nicholas II and the end
of the Romanov dynasty, followed by the establishment of a communist state under the
Bolsheviks.

Thus, absolute monarchy in Russia was marked by a powerful central authority, significant
efforts at modernization and expansion, and a complex relationship between the state,
society, and the church, ultimately culminating in revolution and the end of the Tsarist
autocracy.

Absolute monarchy in Spain, particularly during the Habsburg and early Bourbon dynasties,
was characterized by the concentration of power in the hands of the monarch, who
exercised extensive control over the government, military, and church. Key aspects of
absolute monarchy in Spain include:

1. **The Habsburg Dynasty**: The Habsburgs ruled Spain from 1516 to 1700, starting with
Charles I (also Holy Roman Emperor Charles V) and followed by Philip II, Philip III, Philip IV,
and Charles II. These monarchs centralized power and extended Spanish influence globally,
particularly during the 16th and early 17th centuries, known as the Spanish Golden Age.

2. **Charles I (1516-1556)**: Charles I, as both King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor, had
vast territories in Europe and the Americas. He centralized authority, expanded the Spanish
Empire, and dealt with various religious and political conflicts, such as the Protestant
Reformation and wars with France.

3. **Philip II (1556-1598)**: Philip II is often considered the epitome of absolute monarchy in

Spain. He ruled over a vast empire, centralized administrative control, strengthened the
Spanish Inquisition, and pursued aggressive foreign policies, including the ill-fated Spanish
Armada against England in 1588.

4. **Centralization of Power**: The Spanish Habsburgs centralized power by reducing the

influence of the nobility and regional parliaments (Cortes). They established a bureaucracy
loyal to the crown and increased control over colonial territories.

5. **Religious Authority**: The Spanish monarchy maintained a close alliance with the
Catholic Church. The Spanish Inquisition was a tool for both religious and political control,
rooting out heresy and consolidating the monarch's authority.

6. **Economic Policies**: The wealth from Spanish colonies in the Americas initially fueled
the empire’s power. However, heavy taxation, military expenditures, and economic
mismanagement led to financial difficulties and several bankruptcies.

7. **Decline of the Habsburgs**: By the late 17th century, the Spanish Habsburgs faced
military defeats, economic decline, and internal strife. The last Habsburg king, Charles II,
died without an heir, leading to the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714).

8. **The Bourbon Dynasty**: The war ended with the Treaty of Utrecht, placing Philip V, a
Bourbon, on the Spanish throne. The Bourbon kings, particularly Philip V, Ferdinand VI, and
Charles III, implemented reforms to modernize and centralize the administration, inspired by
Enlightenment ideas.

9. **Philip V (1700-1746)**: Philip V sought to centralize power further, reducing the

autonomy of regional institutions and modernizing the army and administration. His reforms
aimed to strengthen the monarchy's control over the entire kingdom.

10. **Charles III (1759-1788)**: Charles III was an enlightened absolutist who implemented
various reforms to modernize Spain. These included economic, administrative, and
educational reforms, aimed at increasing efficiency and strengthening the central
government.

11. **Resistance and Revolts**: Despite efforts to centralize power, there were periodic
uprisings and resistance to royal authority, particularly in regions like Catalonia and Aragon,
which had strong local traditions and privileges.

12. **Decline and Transition**: The decline of absolute monarchy in Spain accelerated with
the Napoleonic Wars and the Peninsular War (1808-1814), leading to the abdication of the
Bourbon king Ferdinand VII. The 19th century saw the gradual transition from absolute to
constitutional monarchy, marked by political instability and civil wars.

Absolute monarchy in Spain was characterised by the centralization of power, significant

military and colonial expansion, a close alliance with the Catholic Church, and a series of
reforms aimed at modernising the state. However, financial mismanagement, military
defeats, and internal resistance eventually led to the decline of the absolute monarchy and
the rise of constitutional rule.
Absolute monarchy in Prussia, particularly during the reigns of the Hohenzollern dynasty,
was characterised by a highly centralized state with significant military and bureaucratic
efficiency. Key aspects of absolute monarchy in Prussia include:

1. **Frederick William, the Great Elector (1640-1688)**: Frederick William laid the
foundations of absolute monarchy in Prussia. He centralized power, built a strong, efficient
bureaucracy, and established a standing army. His policies focused on strengthening the
state and increasing its influence within the Holy Roman Empire.

2. **Frederick I (1688-1713)**: Frederick I continued his father’s centralizing efforts and

elevated Brandenburg-Prussia to the status of a kingdom in 1701, becoming the first King in
Prussia. His reign marked the formal establishment of the Kingdom of Prussia, setting the
stage for further absolutist policies.

3. **Frederick William I, the Soldier King (1713-1740)**: Known for his militaristic and frugal
policies, Frederick William I greatly expanded the Prussian military, turning it into one of the
most formidable armies in Europe. He further centralized the administration and promoted
efficiency and discipline within the state.

4. **Frederick II, Frederick the Great (1740-1786)**: Frederick the Great is often regarded as
the epitome of enlightened absolutism. He continued to strengthen the state and military,
promoted religious tolerance, and implemented significant legal and administrative reforms.
His reign saw Prussia emerge as a major European power.

5. **Centralization and Bureaucracy**: Prussian absolute monarchy was marked by a highly

centralized administrative system. The king had absolute authority over the government,
supported by a professional bureaucracy that managed various aspects of the state, from
taxation to justice.

6. **Military State**: The Prussian monarchy was heavily focused on military power. The
army was the backbone of the state, with a large portion of the budget dedicated to its
maintenance and expansion. Military service was a key component of Prussian society,
instilling discipline and loyalty to the monarchy.

7. **Economic Policies**: The Prussian kings implemented mercantilist policies to strengthen

the economy, promoting industries, infrastructure, and trade. Frederick William I and
Frederick the Great both pursued policies to enhance agricultural productivity and support
economic development.

8. **Social Hierarchy and Control**: The Prussian absolute monarchy maintained strict
control over the nobility (Junkers), who were given significant roles in the military and
administration in exchange for their loyalty. The serfs and peasants, however, faced harsh
conditions and limited freedoms, reinforcing the social hierarchy.
9. **Enlightened Absolutism**: Frederick the Great is a prime example of enlightened
absolutism. He corresponded with leading intellectuals of the Enlightenment, such as
Voltaire, and implemented reforms that promoted education, legal rationalisation, and
religious tolerance, while still maintaining his absolute authority.

10. **Legacy and Influence**: The Prussian model of absolute monarchy, with its emphasis
on military strength and bureaucratic efficiency, had a lasting influence on the German states
and the eventual unification of Germany in the 19th century. The Prussian kings, especially
Frederick the Great, left a legacy of strong centralised rule that influenced European politics
and governance.

Absolute monarchy in Prussia was characterised by a highly efficient, militaristic, and

centralised state, with the monarch holding significant control over all aspects of
governance. The Prussian kings implemented policies that strengthened the state, promoted
economic development, and reinforced social hierarchies, establishing Prussia as a major
European power.

conclusion
Absolute monarchy in Europe involved the centralization of power in the hands of monarchs
who justified their rule through the divine right of kings. This system saw significant
administrative reforms, military emphasis, and efforts to control the nobility. Each country's
experience was unique: France under Louis XIV epitomised centralised splendour;
England's Stuart kings faced resistance, leading to constitutional monarchy; Russia's Tsars
wielded vast autocratic power supported by the Orthodox Church; Spain's Habsburgs and
Bourbons dealt with colonial wealth and economic challenges; and Prussia's kings
emphasised military efficiency. Despite initial successes, these regimes faced resistance and
financial issues, ultimately leading to the rise of constitutional governments.