Absolutism in France
Absolutism is a political theory and practice that entails applying the total, unrestricted sovereignty and concentrated power that is bestowed, in particular, on a dictator or monarch. In this system of government, no agency, whether it be a religious, legislative, judicial, electoral, or economic one, has the legal right to question or criticize the ruling power. (Beik 62). King Louis XII and, more specifically, King Luis XIV (1643-1715) of France made the strongest assertions in favor of the absolutism system when they declared unequivocally, "I am the state." Apart from these Kings, there were other significant politicians such as Cardinal Richelieu who were wholesomely staunch supporters of the absolutism (Parker 77).
Development of Absolutism in France
The absolutism as a system of governance was a replacement of a system in which the monarch worked with others. Before the development of the absolutism in France, the King was observed to be working with the Estates. Even though the King shared his authority with the people, he was still considered to be very powerful (Bosher and Treasure 1196). After the development of the absolutist system of governance in France, the words of the King were taken as law. The king was privileged to have the complete access to the standing royal army that was observed to be loyal to only him.
The Role of Standing Army
During the period of absolutism in France, a career in the discipline forces such as the army was considered to be one worth pursuing anyone who has a noble background (Beik 64). The standing army was therefore considered as a symbol authority in the absolutism system, and hence the powers of the king were based and enforced by the standing army. They, the standing army, also played a crucial role in determining the fate of those who were in the receiving end of the absolutism system.
Exercise of Absolute Power
In the absolutism in France, the absolute rulers were in the possession of the absolute powers which they used in the process of proclamation of the laws, levying taxes, appointment of many officials who helped in the carrying out of the details of the government and to some extent multiplying the financial demands which they made upon their subjects (Parker 69). The ability of the absolute King to maintain the standing army was as a result of the availability of the governmental structures which were maintained and hence helped in the refining of the process of collecting taxes. In France, the standing army, which was composed of about 180000 men during the peaceful times increased to 350000 soldiers between 1710 and 1714 during the War of the Spanish Succession (Beik 66).
Religion and Absolutism
The absolute monarchs were often able to develop an extraordinary attentiveness of governing power within themselves. Based on the settings in France, it was observed that between 1614 and 1788, that is almost 175 years, there were no physical meetings between the Estate Generals. Even though the absolutism system helped in the development of the state religions, at the same time it often intruded the religious matters (Bosher and Treasure 1197). The development of the state religion fitted together nicely with the need of the absolute King of France to promote uniform acceptance of his authority (Parker 72). The Kings of France were even given the absolute power by the pope, Concordat of Bologna of 1516, to have the virtual control during the appointment of different church officials such as the bishops.
Consequences of Absolutism
Even though the organized religious system played an important role under the absolutism system of governance, it still lost its independence to an absolute government since they were converted into government agencies. In France, absolutism led to the creation of memories of the chronic dislocation which was as a result of French War of Religion. This was largely demonstrated with the weak monarchial rule that triggered off the noble of rebellion in France.
Factors Influencing Absolutism
Absolutism in France was caused by various factors which could be largely grouped into two groups; intermediate factors and long-term factors (Parker 74). The most important factor which influenced the existence of absolutism in France was as a result of the confusion, disorder, and anarchy which was largely caused by the medieval period in Europe. Based on this factor, it could be said that the people living in France were largely fed up with the uncertainties in their lives which led to the development of the untold misery and were willing to be ruled by any types of ruler, be it an absolute ruler, who could assure them of order and peace (Bosher and Treasure 1194).
Effects of Absolutism
The expansion of trade, commerce and industries led to the development of major towns and cities in France hence leading to the development of the absolute rulers in France to help them in governing these developed towns (Beik 65). Another factor which influenced absolutism was as a result of the Crusades and other nobles from Europe with whom the early leaders in France such as King Luis XIV came into contact with while in the East. These Crusade rulers were very influential since they practiced absolute monarchy as a common form of government. The decline in the church authority and feudalism also played an important role in the development of absolutism in France.
Mercantilism and Absolutism
The absolutism experiment in France had various outcomes (Parker 63). Some of the effects which were as a result of this system of governance included reduction of the powers of the nobles, limitation of the individual rights, the king, demonstrated an absolute abuse of power and tyranny over his subjects, influenced the people to desire for freedom and tight economic controls. The mercantilism in the context of the Absolutist monarchies helped in the accomplishment of the regulations of the state churches through the national regulations (Beik 63).
State Regulation of the Economy
The expansion of trade, expenditures incurred in the religious and dynastic wars and the depression of the middle 1600s highlighted the trend towards the mercantilism since the state in promoting prosperity and increasing their revenues (Bosher and Treasure 1193). The principles of mercantilists helped in promoting the belief that the state regulation of the economy to be important for affecting a favorable balance.
Works Cited
Beik, William. "Absolutism and the Rise of Capitalism in France and England." Journal of Early Modern History, volume 5, no. 1, 2001, pp. 62-67. Brill Academic Publishers.
Bosher, J. F., and Geoffrey Treasure. "Mazarin: The Crisis of Absolutism in France.” Sixteenth Century Journal, volume 27, no. 4, 1996, pp. 1193-1199. JSTOR.
Parker, D. "Absolutism, Feudalism and Property Rights in the France of Louis XIV." Past & Present, volume 179, no. 1, 2003, pp. 60-96. Oxford University Press (OUP).
