a history of western society chapter 16
Subject:
Chapter 16: Absolutism and Constitutionalism in Western Europe (ca 1589-1715)
Absolutism
Absolute Monarchs
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries absolute monarchs claimed absolute sovereignty based in divine right.
Nonetheless, at this time in history absolute monarchs generally were still bound by the law.
Absolute monarchs strove to eliminate competing jurisdictions and institutions in their territories. They also secured the cooperation of the nobility.
In contrast to medieval monarchs who negotiated taxation with nobles on a case-by-case basis, absolute monarchs set up bureaucracies that they controlled to collect taxes on a regular basis.
Bureaucrats in the seventeenth century began to distinguish between their public duties and private property.
