Absolutism
Definition
Absolutism is a political doctrine asserting that in matters of governance, all power should be vested in one ruler or other authority. This system often sees monarchs hold supreme autocratic authority, unrestricted by laws or constitutions.
Analogy
Imagine if your school principal had complete control over everything - from setting curriculum to deciding lunch menus without any input from teachers, students or parents. That's what absolutism looks like!
Related terms
Divine Right Theory: The belief that monarchs derive their right to rule directly from God and are accountable only to God.
Louis XIV: Known as Louis the Great or Sun King; he was an absolute monarch who reigned France for 72 years, the longest in European history.
Constitutional Monarchy: A form of government where a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters of a written or unwritten constitution. It contrasts with absolutism as it limits the monarch's powers.
"Absolutism" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (16)
What were the main causes that led to the rise of Absolutism in Europe during the period from 1648 to 1815?
What might be a probable result if absolutism had not prevailed as extensively in France under Louis XIV?
Who exemplified the approach of Absolutism in France during the seventeenth century?
Which country saw absolutism decline due to religious conflict and civil war in the seventeenth century?
What was a significant characteristic of absolutism in Austria under Maria Theresa?
How did Louis XIV's and Peter the Great's approaches to absolutism differ, specifically in terms of religion?
What connects the policies of Louis XIV of France and Peter the Great of Russia in terms of their approach to absolutism?
From a feminist perspective, what was one significant consequence of absolutism on women's roles in society during this era?
What event led to a shift from absolutism to constitutional monarchy in England?
What was a defining characteristic of Absolutism that made it different from Constitutionalism in Europe during the 17th century?
Which development furthered absolutism in France but limited monarchical power in England during this period?
In contrast to Thomas Hobbes' concept of absolutism, which philosopher proposed a social contract with shared power between governance and people?
How did Louis XIV use absolutism to centralize power in France during his reign?
What event signaled the transition from absolutism to constitutional monarchy in England during the late seventeenth century?
What is Absolutism in the context of state-building described in this document?
Which French ruler is most associated with Absolutism during the Age of Enlightenment?
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