HIS109Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Fronde
Document Summary
Absolutism concentrated the power in the hands of the king alone and gave protection to all. Believed that the state was all-powerful and ruthless at the same time. Believed that world was initially ruled upon by the ruthless and evil. Early mankind was believed to be miserable; except for the very strongest. Proposed a social contract where the people gave up all authority in exchange for security to the state. No evidence of divine intervention on earth at all. People who agreed to social contract gave it up forever, in perpetuity. King"s ability to protect his people is paramount and is allowed to take anything from you in exchange for this power. King"s responsibility is not to you; it is to the idea of security and protection. Blame people for despotism and tyranny; they made the social contract to begin with. Alternative to social contract is much worse in the form of anarchy.
