Absolute monarchies were dominant in Europe during this time period, with monarchs claiming divine right to rule however they wished without limits to their power. Key absolute rulers mentioned include Philip II of Spain, Louis XIV of France, and Peter the Great of Russia, all of whom centralized authority and modernized their nations. Meanwhile in England, the rise of Parliament gradually curtailed royal power, culminating in the Glorious Revolution that established constitutional monarchy.

1. Age Of Absolutism It is important to understand the roles of these monarchs and how their actions led to the Enlightenment and Revolutions.