What conditions fostered the rise of absolute monarchs in Europe?
Answer (3)
The 17th century was a period of great upheaval in Europe. Religious and territorial conflicts lead to constant war. Peasants revolted due to taxes. Monarchs reacted by increasing power. ;
Absolute monarchies in Europe rose due to the consolidation of power by monarchs, decline of feudalism, rise of the merchant class, and economic and political changes during the Enlightenment leading to centralized nation-states.
The rise of absolute monarchs in Europe was fostered by several conditions that converged during the 16th and 17th centuries. As Europe transitioned from a medieval society with many small, warring kingdoms, monarchs began to consolidate power and form nation-states with centralized administrations. The decline of feudalism and the rise of professional standing armies allowed monarchs to enforce their laws and control their territories more effectively.
The frequent conflicts and wars over religion and territory along with the economic changes such as the rise of the merchant class also contributed to the decline of noble power and the rise of absolute monarchies. Additionally, monarchs like Louis XIV of France took measures to limit the power of the nobility, leading to increased centralization of authority. During the absolutist era, belief in divine right was prevalent, fueling the notion that monarchs were chosen by God and had the inherent right to rule without opposition.
The rise of absolute monarchs in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries was influenced by the decline of feudalism, the formation of nation-states, economic changes, military innovations, religious conflicts, and the belief in the divine right of kings. These factors allowed monarchs to consolidate power and establish centralized administrations. The resulting political environment enabled absolute monarchs to assert unilateral control over their kingdoms.
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