History 1401E Lecture : 2. Age of Absolutism 1660.doc
22 Mar 2012
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Absolutism: the rule by one monarch who controls through bureaucracy and a standing army. An absolute monarch can do almost anything but is still subject to the law. The monarch answers to no on/ is above no one but god. Absolutism is a response to the iron wars which was filled with many wars and turmoil. It is an attempt to create social harmony: rulers agree to rule and subjects agree to obey, peasants give up freedom in return for security and safety. An absolute monarch is said to rule by divine right. The best example of an absolute monarch is luis the 14th the sun king who ruled france in the 17th century. Marquis du louvois (might: changed the setup of the military, promotions were given based on skill not money. He is quoted saying i am the state .
