2. Absolute Monarchs as defined by Merriam-Webster Absolute : being governed by, or characteristic of a ruler or authority completely free from constitutional or other restraint Monarch: a person who reigns over a kingdom or empire: as a: a sovereign ruler b: a constitutional king or queen 2: one that holds preeminent position or power Absolute Monarchs: A king or queen who believed that all power within their state’s boundaries rested in their hands. They ruled without limits.
3. A Voice From the Past Jean Bodin, an influential French Writer, describing an absolute ruler: The first characteristic of the sovereign prince is the power to make general and special laws, but—and this qualification is important—without the consent of superiors, equals, or inferiors. If the prince requires the consent of superiors, then he is a subject himself; if that of equals, he shares his authority with others; if that of his subjects, senate or people, he is not sovereign. JEAN BODIN, Six Books on the State
4. Characteristics of an Absolute Monarch Their goal was to control every aspect of society. Believed in Divine Right: the idea that God created the monarchy and that the monarch acted as God’s representative on Earth. You might hear an absolute ruler say: “God put me (my family) here on Earth for a reason. And that reason is to rule this country without limits.” “Taking away my power would be like taking away a God-given right.” “Do I deserve a castle, servants, and unlimited power? Well, it’s not for me to decide. It was God’s decision.” “If you are unhappy with the way I rule, take it up with God. He is the only one I answer to, not to mere mortals.”
5. Absolute Rulers from the Past Absolute rulers were not a new concept Roman Caesars Darius in Persia Russian Czars The Pope--- In a way--- maybe… ------BUT----- After the decline of the Roman Empire, European monarchs had become weak. The feudal system had taken power away from a central government and put it in the hands of many different people. The Church became the dominant ruling force in the Middle Ages.
6. Monarch’s Powers Grow A few factors led to the increase in monarchs throughout Europe The end of feudalism The rise of city populations The weakened power of the Church In addition, the middle class tended to back monarchs because they promoted a positive business environment.
7. Times of Crisis lead to Absolutism A chain of events led to many absolute leaders Religious and territorial conflicts in Europe This caused governments to build large armies Levied high taxes to pay for these armies High taxes brought on unrest, sometimes leading to revolt In response, many leaders tried to impose order by increasing their power. Their goal was to free themselves from the limits imposed by the nobility and representative bodies.
