Absolutism & Constitutionalism Study Notes

Absolutism & Constitutionalism 1648-1815

Absolutism

  • Definition: Complete control of government by a single authority, often exemplified by an absolute monarchy, underpinned by the divine right of kings.
  • Divine Right: Monarchs derive their authority from God, and while they hold quite extensive powers, historically, it's noted that God can check their authority.

Absolutism in France

Henry IV (Navarre/Le Grand)

  • Objectives:
    • Stabilize France emerging from a period of wars.
    • Economic Measures:
    • Lowered tax rates to alleviate financial burdens on citizens.
    • Introduced new taxes on inheritance, particularly to increase government revenue.
    • Invested in infrastructure, particularly roads and canals, to boost the economy.
  • Outcome: Assassinated by a Catholic zealot.

Louis XIII

  • Ascension: Became king as a young child, only 4 years old.
  • Governance:
    • Advised by Cardinal Richelieu who played a crucial role in centralizing power and establishing absolutism in France.
    • Introduced Intendents: Commissioners who acted on behalf of the monarch in districts, centralizing administrative authority.
  • Combatting Huguenots:
    • Took away political and military rights of the Huguenots, imposing strict measures against them.
    • Established a comprehensive spy network to oversee dissent.
  • Military Involvement: Involved France in the Thirty Years' War, which led to significant debt problems.

Louis XIV

  • Position: Ascended to the throne after Louis XIII; he became king, establishing his reign at around 1659 when he was in his 20s.
  • Known as the Sun King: Symbolizes centralization and absolute monarchy in France.
  • Governance Style:
    • Never appointed a top advisor, indicating distrust towards the nobility.
    • Did not call the French legislature (Estates General) to meet, bypassing traditional governance structures.
    • Appointed officials from the middle class to positions of power, as opposed to the traditional noble class.
  • Palace of Versailles: Constructed an elaborate palace and moved the government there, signifying a shift in power dynamics and creating a monumental representation of his rule.
  • Nobility Types:
    • Blood Nobles: Those who inherited their titles and status.
    • Nobles of the Sword: Appointed nobles who were often learned and elite, invited to reside at Versailles, fostering loyalty to the king.

Examples of Absolutism

  • Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685):
    • The Edict of Fontainebleau was issued, which mandated that all in France should be Catholic.
    • State-funded destruction of Protestant churches and schools, combined with forced conversions (baptisms).
    • Consequence: Hundreds of thousands of Protestants fled to other countries, such as Germany and England, significantly altering France's demographics and religious landscape.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert

  • Role: Served as the Chief Finance Minister under Louis XIV.
  • Contributions: Instrumental in implementing financial policies that facilitated the extravagant expenditures of the monarchy and the upkeep of the extensive bureaucracy.