The passage discusses medieval political forms like divine right monarchy and features of modern nation-states described by Michael Oakeshott. It provides examples of 17th century European rulers who established powerful centralized states like Louis XIV, Peter the Great, and English monarchs from Henry VIII to William and Mary. The question asks if the modern nation-state was a better alternative to medieval forms of rule like divine right monarchy.

4. Louis XIV

5. Versailles

6. Versailles

7. Chariot of Apollo

8. Crown of Louis XIV

9. THE 17TH CENTURY ARMY

10. NEW FRANCE

11. Palace @ Potsdam

12. Palace Grounds

13. GERMAN TROOPS

14. WAR OF AUSTRIAN SUCCESSION

15. AUSTRIAN WAR

16. FREDERICK ON HORSEBACK

17. SEVEN YEARS WAR

18. FREDERICK THE GREAT

20. Peter the Great

21. EXPANSION OF RUSSIA UNDER PETER THE GREAT

22. Peter the Great at the Battle of Poltava

23. St. Petersburg

24. URBAN DWELLERS IN MOSCOW

25. ST. PETERSBURG PALACE

26. PALACE SQUARE

28. The Family of Henry VIII From left to right are as follows: Philip and Mary with War, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Elizabeth I with Peace and Plenty

29. ELIZABETH I (TUDOR)

30. JAMES I (Stuart)

31. CHARLES I

32. ST. JAMES PALACE-THRONE ROOM

33. EXECUTION OF CHARLES I

34. CHOOSING SIDES IN THE ENGLISH CIVIL WAR

35. OLIVER CROMWELL

36. WILLIAM & MARY