History and Concepts of Absolutism

Overview

• Absolutism: A dominant form of monarchy in Europe.
• Transition from glorified myth of almighty monarchs to a sober reality.

Early Modern Era

• Characterized by revolutionary events: Reformation, Scientific Revolution.
• Emergence of modern state institutions enduring beyond monarchs.
• Rise of the state changed power dynamics, distancing monarchs from the aristocracy.
• By late 17th century, absolute monarchies became prevalent in Europe.

Transition from Feudalism to Absolutism

• Several factors contributed:
  • Establishment of standing armies.
  • Replacement of legal relationships with codified law.
• Absolutism as a response to political and intellectual crises.
  • Protestantism and modern science challenged medieval orthodoxy.
  • Political philosophies emphasized the role of powerful monarchs for stability.

Nature of Absolute Monarchy

• In theory: Unlimited authority in monarchs.
• In practice: A tendency rather than absolute power.
• Monarchs navigated restraints from traditional estates (nobility, clergy, bourgeoisie).
• Notable example: Swedish King Gustav III's Union and Security Act.

Difficulties in Absolute Monarchies

• Taxation: French kings struggled to tax nobility.
• Comparisons with constitutional monarchies:
  • Constitutional monarchies were more powerful and efficient.
  • England's ability to tax nobility and override local laws.
  • Economic prosperity and efficient resource mobilization in constitutional states.

Absolutist Thought

• Two main lines of thought:
  • Divine Right of Kings (prevalent in France and Spain):
    • Monarchy intertwined with religion.
  • Practical monarchy (prevalent in Prussia):
    • Social contract, rationality, and natural law.
• Other concepts:
  • Arcana Imperii (mystery of the state): Justified secrecy and deceit.
• Relationship between monarch and state: Monarch as the state's servant.

Decline of Absolutism

• Enlightenment's impact:
  • Emphasis on progress and reform challenged traditional absolutism.
  • Enlightenment despots like Joseph II of Austria, Catherine the Great of Russia.
• Conflicts with Enlightenment:
  • Religious tolerance and economic reforms clashed with absolutist foundations.
  • Resistance from nobility, peasants, and Enlightenment thinkers.
• French Revolution in 1789 marked a shift to constitutional monarchy and eventually a republic.

Conclusion

• Enlightenment Absolutism: A phase leading to the downfall of absolute monarchies.
• Shift to written constitutions and secular legitimacy post-Enlightenment.