Absolutism by David Tucker

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Absolutism

Published on Nov 18, 2015

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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Absolutism

THE DIVINE RIGHT OF KINGS and the end of feudalism

Definition

There must be one and only one sovereign
The sovereign holds all legitimate power
The sovereign must never be resisted

DISclaimer

Historians disagree
Absolutist rulers had no greater power
Than non-absolutist rulers
Difference between rhetoric and ability to exercise power
Ok, onward...

Scriptural Basis

THOMAS HOBBES

Life was "nasty, brutish, and short"
Freedom from a life of anarchy and danger
Without an absolutist ruler there could be no society

ABSOLUTIST MONARCHIES

France
Englad
Russia
Spain
Prussia and Austria

Think About It

How did the Reformation affect Absolutism?
How did Exploration and Colonialism?
Why did it eventually disappear?

Reformation - increase in power of Kings as heads of the nation's church, decline in power of Pope - 30 years war, Peace of Westphalia

Exploration and Colonialism - centralized states competing for resources and wealth, states benefit from strong centralized govt. Rulers can depend on merchant classes for wealth and essentially dismiss the feudal aristocracy

Disappearance - Rise in power and wealth of merchant class who demand political access and privilege. Instability, incompetent rulers, the failure of the person in the personal state

Replaced with Constitutional forms of government