Absolute monarchy

Absolute monarchy is a form of state government. In the conditions of this structure, judicial, executive, legislative, and also in some cases, spiritual power is actually and legally concentrated in the hands of one ruler.

Absolute monarchy was established at different times in many states that existed before the 18th century. According to historians, this form of government of the country of that era came naturally.

Absolute monarchy (in a broad sense) is characterized as unlimited power, inherited. In the narrow sense, this form of government implies some framework. So, for example, in different countries the absolute monarchy submitted to representative bodies (the Cortes in Spain, the states general in France, the Zemsky Sobors in Russia).

Along with this, even possessing boundless power, the autocrat had to reckon with his subjects. The opinion of the people at the same time could be expressed in completely different ways: from the recommendations of advisers to insurrections and the overthrow of the tsar.

The absolute monarchy in the Age of Enlightenment was not just an unlimited, but divine power. This greatly contributed to the theologians of that time. Louis 14 best defined the idea of absolutism in his phrase "The state is me".

This form of government contributes to the development of a ramified bureaucracy, a permanent police and army are being formed.

Its heyday absolutism in the West European powers reached in the 17-18 centuries. During this period, the state is completely centralized. The monarch, endowed with legislative and executive power, independently makes decisions, establishes taxes and, at his discretion, disposes of the state treasury.

The unlimited power of the autocrat relied on the nobility. Forming in the conditions of feudal fragmentation, absolutism at the first stages developed quite rapidly. The period of the formation of this power was characterized by rather progressive actions: the struggle with the remnants of feudal fragmentation, the subordination of the church, the introduction of unified laws. The development of industry, trade, and the national economy was aimed at strengthening the military potential for future gains.

According to historians, the features of absolutism were, to one degree or another, present in all European countries. However, this form of government in France was more complete. This country came to absolutism already in the 16th century. And its heyday form of government reached in the era of the reign of the Bourbons (Louis 13 and 14).

The absolute monarchy in England reached its peak during the reign of Elizabeth the First Tudor (1558-1603). However, in the British Isles, in its classical form, this power was never established. In many ways, the parliament prevented this. In addition, there was no army, no bureaucracy.

In different countries, absolutism had these or other characteristics. To a greater extent, they were determined by the influence of these or other sections of society on domestic policy in the country. For example, in England and France the bourgeoisie had a great influence.

In the second half of the 18th century, absolutism passed to the next stage. The form of government during this period was influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment. Thus, "Enlightened absolutism" was formed.

With the development and strengthening of the capitalist system in the countries of Europe, the existence of absolutism began to strongly contradict the new order in society.

In some states (for example, in France, Russia), the contradictions between the developing society and the power that limited it were resolved in a revolutionary way. Some powers gradually came to a limited, constitutional form of government.