Question

How did and to what extent were european monarchs establishing absolute power and authority?

Answer 1

Absolute Monarchy as a form of governance began in Europe after the end of feudalism mainly in 17th century. Absolute Monarchy simply means that the king is sole source of power and authority. He is above law or his word is itself a law.

European religious conflicts and decline of feudalism and origin of nation states were the reasons which lead to establishment of absolute monarchies in Europe. The people initially supported these absolute monarchs in order to bring peace and stability in the region.

The European Monarchs believed in Divine Rights of King i.e King is the representative of God on earth. We see the best example of absolute monarch in King Lious XIV which was fallowed by other European monarchs. He declared himself as Sun King i.e source of light for his subjects. He weakened the powers of nobility and made them to attend the court regularly, made all decisions of the government on his own, oversee religious affairs, levy taxes and declare war. He could take the advice of his ministers and secretaries but was not bound to their advice. It was the absolute monarchical system which made people to fight for a revolution in France and with French Revolution the absolute monarchical system began to decline Europe.