Most of the reforms of absolutist rulers were concerned with the consolidation of political power under the king, military expansion and reform, and the construction of some sort of national image and/or character.
Persecution of many people groups. For example, the Jews
(im thinking that you are asking about the black plaque. If not, i will change it )
hope this helps
The wealthy knew that the colonies could provide natural resources which could be sent back to England to be sold for profit. They could also sell goods from England in the colonies to also make profits.