CHARACTERISTICS OF ABSOLUTISM
BASIC
Monarch rules by divine right and decides what
PRINCIPLE is best for state.
POLITICAL Ruler holds unlimited power; individuals are
subjects owing loyalty and obedience.
SOCIAL
Ruler dominates upper classes, which in turn
dominate lower classes. Ceremonies symbolize
ruler’s power.
ECONOMIC Ruler encourages industry and trade to
strengthen the economy.
CULTURAL Ruler dominates cultural life either as patron of
arts or by censorship.
ABSOLUTE MONARCHS IN EUROPE
• decline of feudalism
• rise of cities and growth of middle class.
LONG TERM • growth of national kingdoms.
• loss of church authority.
CAUSES
• religious and territorial conflicts
• buildup of armies
IMMEDIATE • need for increased taxes
• revolts by peasants or nobles
CAUSES
EUROPEAN MONARCHS
CLAIM DIVINE RIGHT TO
RULE ABSOLUTELY
IMMEDIATE
EFFECTS
LONG TERM
EFFECTS
• regulation of religion and society
• larger courts
• huge building projects
• new government bureaucracies
• loss of power by nobility and legislatures
• revolution in France
• western European influence on Russia
• English political reforms that influence U.S. democracy