The Reasons Behind The Rise of Absolutism in Europe

Absolutism is a term used for the prevailing political system among European states in which took part through 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. The Absolutism period generally considered to originate with the hegemony of Louis XIV and to end with the French Revolution. At these periods, it was believed that the power of the kings was derived from the strength of God. Thus, the kings who ruled in absolute monarchy period had steady power which was superior to the power of the clergy and nobility. Any restriction against kingdoms was assumed as perversity against God. The limitless power of the Kings is called “Divine Right of Kings” which was absolutism’s basis. Louis XIV who is called as Sun King was the most popular absolutist king of France who conducted the most powerful regime in Europe with unlimited, divine power. 

There are several reasons behind the rise of absolutism namely, decline of feudalism, religious wars, especially Thirty Years War, growth of middle class and the taxation system resulted from the climate change that affected Europeans’ life and economy too negatively by causing to suffering and deprivation. However, the religious wars, namely Thirty Years War can be considered as the most basic reason for the rise of absolute monarchy. There were series of wars causing to the death of lots of innocent people resulted from the protestant reformation. Because of these religious wars 60% of the population in some parts of Europe were lost. Signed at the end of the Thirty Years War, Peace of Westphalia had changed balance of power among Europe and steadily reduced the power of Catholic Church and other religious groups. As a consequence of decrease of church’s influence, there was open space for a new power and this prepared an appropriate ground for the absolutism. 

The period of absolutism is also considered as early Capitalism by many historians. Free trade firstly emerged at this period. The name of new economic system was Mercantilism and this new system was helping to absolutist rulers to be able to centralize economy. Additionally, the taxation which was collected from the merchants helped to provide the financial wealth that absolute monarchs were seeking for. The basic power of a state such as military, entitlement of judgment was gathered in the hand of absolutist monarchs. There were vast courts of the officials and permanent seats of the government. By rising of courts, political power of courtiers who are royal councils increased. For absolute monarchs, Palace of Versailles was built as a symbol of their power. At his period there was court painters such as Diego Velazquez who was drawing the powerful rulers. This was also a way that absolute monarchs show and maintain their unlimited power. 

In conclusion, from what mentioned above, it might be inferred that there was a unquestionable power and authority of the absolute monarch. There was almost no division between the state and the king. Moreover, rulers had a power like a God. There were various reasons causing these consequences and the most important reason was the religious wars that declined the authority of church.