Absolutism and Constitutionalism in Europe

Introduction to Absolutism and Constitutionalism

  • Focus on the innovations in government during the specified period.
  • Key question: Which states will become absolutist, and which will become constitutional?

Contextual Background

  • Previous unit themes revolved around centralization of power, influenced by the Reformation and Wars of Religion.
  • Merging of political and religious authorities, impacting state cohesion and unity.
  • Resulted in two paths for states: absolutism or constitutionalism.

Understanding Absolutism

  • Definition: Absolutism is when monarchs consolidate all state power under themselves.
  • Shift from shared power among monarchs, nobles, and churches to concentration of power with monarchs.
    • Example: Monarchs gaining more power compared to dwindling authority of the church and nobility.

Factors Leading to the Rise of Absolutism

  1. Weakened Catholic Church:
    • Growing acceptance of Protestant practices reduced church influence.
    • Peace of Westphalia led to disinterest in religious warfare.
  2. Expansion of Merchant Class:
    • Desire for political stability often aligned with absolute monarchies.
    • Shift of power away from landed nobility towards merchants.

Example of Absolutist Rulers

  • Louis XIV of France:

    • Embodiment of absolutism, famously stated, "I am the state."
    • Historical events (e.g., the Fronde) during his childhood prepared him for an absolute rule.
    • Key actions to consolidate power:
      • Intendant System: Bureaucratic agents enforcing royal policies, diminishing local governance.
      • Palace of Versailles: Relocation of nobles to maintain loyalty and oversight.
      • Revocation of the Edict of Nantes: Undermined church power, increased religious uniformity under Catholicism.
      • Military Expansion: Source of funding through mercantilist policies, despite the eventual economic strain.

  • Peter the Great of Russia:

    • Came to power in a feudalistic context; aimed to westernize Russia to avoid European domination.
    • Key reforms:
    1. Political Reform: Nobles required to serve, reducing noble power and promoting meritocracy.
    2. Religious Reform: Reorganized the Orthodox Church to consolidate spiritual and political authority.
    3. Cultural Reform: Encouraged Western customs; introduced taxes on personal choices (beard tax).
    • Result: Strengthened central authority despite resistance and resentment among nobility.

Emergence of Constitutionalism

  • Contrasting Path of England and the Netherlands:
    • The shift towards constitutionalism where government is limited by law.
    • Monarch shares power with a representative body (parliament).

Key Events in England Leading to Civil War

  1. Divine Right of Kings:
    • James I and Charles I embraced this doctrine, asserting their authority derived from God.
    • Belief sparked tension with Parliament, particularly concerning property rights.
  2. Economic Struggles:
    • Charles I’s governance amid economic troubles fueled discontent and conflict with Parliament.

Conclusion

  • Distinction between absolutism and constitutionalism established through historical examples and events.
  • The ongoing struggle for power dynamics significantly shaped Europe's political landscape during this period.