This document discusses political absolutism, a form of autocratic government where all power is concentrated in the hands of one ruler. During the 17th-19th centuries, absolutism typically referred to monarchies in Europe where emperors, kings and queens could assert divine right to rule, believing they were chosen by God. The document provides examples of individuals like King Louis XIV of France and Bishop Jacques Benigne Bossuet who justified absolute royal power through the idea of divine right. It also lists some 20th century examples of absolutist rulers like Kim Jong Un, Robert Mugabe, Fidel Castro, Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler.

1. POLITICAL ABSOLUTISM, OR
WHY THE KING IS RIGHT AND
YOU’RE WRONG

2. POLITICAL ABSOLUTISM
Political absolutism is a
form of autocracy, in which
all power is concentrated in
the hands of one person.
During the 17th, 18th, and
19th centuries, autocracy
typically described a
monarchy, or form of royal
governance.
Emperors, kings, and
queens could all be
King Leopold I of Belgium

3. ELEMENTS OF AUTOCRACY.
Difficulty of autocracy:
maintaining a grip on power.
Autocracies typically rely on
preexisting powers – the
priesthood, nobles, and royalty –
to assert control over the state.
Others use divine right to assert
their control – that is, that they
are endowed by God with the
right to rule.Louis XIV as the Sun King.

4. DIVINE RIGHT
Divine Right is the idea that
a King has been specially
selected by God to rule over
his people.
Catholic interpretation: Old
Testament talks of a lineage of
kings created by God. New
Testament shows Peter
submitting to the rule of the
Roman Emperor. Popes King
Charles I.

5. DIVINE RIGHT (CONT.)
Protestant Interpretation: King endowed to rule by God
through a Christian coronation. Anointed by the
Archbishop of Canterbury.

6. BISHOP JACQUES BENIGNE
BOSSUET
Court preacher for Louis XIV – justified his
absolute power through divine right.
Tutor to the King’s oldest child, Dauphin,
who was a bit of a jerk.
Argued in his political treatise that kings
receive their power from God, making him
a favorite in Louis’ court.

7. “LE GRAND DAUPHIN,” STUDENT OF
BISHOP BOSSUET

8. MODERN DAY ABSOLUTISM
In the 20th and 21st centuries,
there have been many forms
of political absolutism
internationally.
 Kim Jong Un – North Korea
 Robert Mugabe – Zimbabwe
 Fidel Castro – Cuba
 Joseph Stalin – USSR
 Adolf Hitler – Nazi Germany