Absolutism Essay, Research Paper

Absolutism

Absolutism or absolute monarchy is the signifier of authorities where the male monarch possesses complete control of the authorities and people in his state ; the male monarch & # 8217 ; s word is jurisprudence. Many factors lead to Absolute Monarchy in France, and the manner of Absolute Monarchy under Louis XIV differed from traditional Absolute Monarchy.

The political and cultural history of France from 1498 to 1661, that is, from Louis XII & # 8217 ; s accession to the throne to Louis XIV & # 8217 ; s personal premise of power can be divided into three major stages. The first, up to the decease of Henry II in 1559, looked to Italy as a land ripe for conquering and as an inspiration for France & # 8217 ; s ain Renaissance. The 2nd period ( 1562-1598 ) saw the part disturbed by eight civil wars & # 8211 ; the Wars of Religion & # 8211 ; as France struggled with the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation was both a theological difference about the proper apprehension, and pattern of Christianity, and a political contention about the legal position of the new Reformation churches. In France, the struggle took on a farther political dimension when members of the high aristocracy attempted to take advantage of the pandemonium to pull out power from the male monarch. Cabals tore each other apart. The diminished monarchy had to reconquer Paris ( 1594 ) and drive the Spanish from the land ( 1597 ) . Henry IV eventually reestablished the sovereign & # 8217 ; s legitimacy when he lawfully recognized Gallic Protestants and gave them freedom of worship. Henry IV & # 8217 ; s transition to Catholicism in 1594 inaugurated a new epoch and a new dynasty of Gallic male monarchs, the Bourbons. Through a administration as militaristic and absolutist as that of any predecessors, Henry censored authors and sermonizers in the name of public peace. Ironically, he would be assassinated in 1610, falling victim to the really force and spiritual passions he sought to snuff out. During the half-century that followed, Cardinal Richelieu ( 1585-1642 ) organized the royal authorities & # 8217 ; s reconquest of domestic control. The monarchy reinforced its monitoring of printing, wholly curtailing the emerging imperativeness. The Gallic linguistic communication itself became an object of authorities concern through the freshly created Academie Francaise, a fitting illustration of Richelieu & # 8217 ; s overall plan of province control over political relations and civilization. Once the last rebellion of the feudal aristocracy was suppressed, the model and mechanisms of Absolute Monarchy were in topographic point, necessitating merely the reaching of Louis XIV to finish the scene.

Louis XIV & # 8217 ; s manner of tyranny differed from the traditional Absolute Monarchy. He was the most powerful individual in his authorities, but some power still existed in his advisors, curates, and the huge bureaucratism that he created. Louis XIV & # 8217 ; s trade name of tyranny constructed an effectual authorities bureaucratism in France. Louis & # 8217 ; s bureaucratism started with the division of France & # 8217 ; s governmen

T into commissions, subcommittees of the councils, and agencies run by assorted curates and secretaries of province. Louis’s authorities was really run by many authoritiess. To do certain that his authorities ran good, Louis XIV used intendants to watch over functionaries, study on their actions, and if necessary take over their stations. With this model, Louis XIV was able to run France expeditiously. The efficiency of France’s revenue enhancement aggregation system, which had a bureaucratism of revenue enhancement aggregators in 26 different territories, helped France derive economic stableness.

Louis XIV & # 8217 ; s tyranny carried through his bureaucratism, helped to convey economic stableness to France. Louis Fourteen used his power to lend to the Gallic economic system through many mercantile policies. An illustration of his policies was an edict he issued commanding that all lacing sold in France must be made in France. Another manner that the economic system was stimulated by Absolute Monarchy was the riddance of the cargo revenue enhancement on the Gallic. To farther aid French transportation, Louis XIV besides used his power, as an absolute sovereign, to protract ships in Gallic ports from hostile states viing for limited trade. With these and other betterments that Louis XIV instituted, the Gallic economic system was able to turn to great stature.

With economic stableness, which brought the Gallic authorities revenue enhancement gross, and a bureaucratic construction to interrupt it expeditiously and efficaciously, Louis XIV helped raise France to the pinnacle of high civilisation in the 17th century. Under Louis XIV & # 8217 ; s tyranny, Paris grew into a secular metropolis ; many establishments of high civilization were established, and architecture was greatly enhanced. Louis XIV contributed to the illustriousness of Paris by supplying the financess to clean up the metropolis, establish a constabulary force, and pave the streets. Louis besides built several establishments of high civilization, which included the Louyre, Academy of Sciences, and the Observatory. He contributed to architecture by commissioning designers, like Bernini from Rome, to construct big and excessive constructions ; one of the greatest architecture accomplishments was Louis XIV & # 8217 ; s castle, Versailles. These undertakings instituted by Louis XIV, helped to raise France to the extremum of civilisation.

For the most portion, Louis XIV & # 8217 ; s tyranny was positive for France in the 17th century. Many critics believe Louis XIV ignored human right issues and did non care about the Gallic people as a whole. On the contrary, Louis XIV wrote a missive to his Heirs where he describes the joy he has with functioning his people. In add-on, Louis XIV actions counter the charge that he neglected human rights. During his regulation he passed Torahs to protect inkinesss from France & # 8217 ; s African settlements. Louis XIV is summed up by many as king who did or tried to do his state more booming. Louis XIV did more for his people than 20 of his predecessors put together.