I.

Introduction
In this paper which is entitled as “The Emergence of Absolute Monarchies in Europe”; I have
taken three samples of Absolute Monarchies that were emerged in the Western part of Europe.
These Monarchies were emerged in Spain, England and France; entitled as the Emergence of
Absolute Monarchies in the Western part of Europe.
I have also taken three samples of Absolute Monarchies that were emerged in the Central and
Eastern part of Europe. These monarchies were emerged in Germany (Prussian), Austria and
Russia under the title the Emergence of Absolute Monarchies in the Central and Eastern part of
Europe. Generally I have tried to shows how these Absolute Monarchies were emerged, grew in
to a great empire, and how they declined. I also tried to show their impact briefly.

1
1. The Emergence of Absolute Monarchies in Europe
Absolutism in government system is a ruling system in which power rests on one or more
persons that could not be limited by law. Dictatorships and absolute monarchies are included
under it. Dictators took power by force and they have unlimited power. The Nazi rulers of
Germany and Communist rulers of the Soviet Union are such examples of dictatorship1.
“Monarchy is a form of government in which one person who inherits or is elected by
the throne is head of state for life. These persons or monarchs have different titles
including King, Emperor Tsar or Sultan in various governments. The old idea of
monarchy mentioned that the power of the monarch was absolute. It sometimes held
that the monarch was responsible only to God. This doctrine became known as “the
divine right of kings”2
Therefore Absolute Monarchy is a system of government in which the ultimate power resides in
the hands of the monarch and the monarch was considered as the representative of God to rule
the people in the earth. Therefore people could not be able to challenge the monarch since he was
appointed by God, to rule the people. In such a system of government, the monarch has supreme
or unlimited power over his people. But constitutional monarchs could not be categorized under
such a system of government since their power was limited by the constitution.
Absolute monarchies in Europe were emerged because of the crisis of the 17 th century that was
occurred in Europe at different parts of the continent. As a response to the 17 th century crises the
kings in Europe were emerged in search of peace, order and stability which strengthen their
power on the people3. Therefore we will try to see how these Absolute Monarchies were
emerged, and their features; in Spain, England, France, Germany and Russia, one by one.

1 World Book of Encyclopedia: Volume 1 (Chicago: World Book Inc, 2001), P. 17.
2 World Book of Encylopedia: Volume 13 (Chicago: World Book Inc, 2001), PP.
700-701.
3 Jackson J. Sepielvogel, World History: The Human Odyssey (Pennsylvania: West
Educational
Press 1998), PP. 467.
2
1.1. The Emergence of Absolute Monarchies In Western Europe
1.1.1. The Emergence of Absolutism in Spain
The Hapsburgs were the only Europe’s most powerful royal families during the age of
absolutism. But difficult to rule effectively, because of the scattered nature of the land. To solve
this problem Charles V gave the Hapsburg lands in Central Europe to his brother, Ferdinand who
later became Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. He also gave Spain, the Netherlands,
Southern Italy, and Spain’s overseas empire to Philips II (his son)4.
Philip (II 1556-1598)
Philip II was a devoted Catholic and powerful ruler of Spain from 1556-1598. He tried to stop
the expansion of Protestantism in his empire, and because of this he was considered as enemy of
Protestants. Charles V (son of the Holy roman emperor), Isabella of Portugal, and Philip II
worked to strengthen the Hapsburg’s power in Europe. Encouraged by this, Philip II was
involved in major European wars which were costly for Spain5.
Known as the prudent king, Philip II was caution, hard working, and suspicions of
others. He built a granite place called El Escorial, which served as a royal court, art
gallery, monastery, and tomb for Spanish roughly. There Philip spent most of his
time at his desk, carefully reading and responding to hundreds of documents from
all over the empire. Bureaucrats advised him and handled routine matters, but he
made all decisions and signed all papers that he received6.
During the reign of Philips II, the region of Castile was more advantageous than any other
regions; it had more territory, people and wealth than other parts of Spain. Philip made Castle the
center of his empire and Spain. Madrid which was located inside Castile became the capital. The
Castilian form of Spanish language was spoken in the palace. Philip’s advisors were come
mostly from Castile. Trade was controlled by Castilian merchants. Because of this Aragon and

4 Mounir A. Farah and Andréa B. Karl, World History: The Human Experience (New
York: MC Graw Hill, 1994), PP. 258-259.
5 Ibid.
6 Ibid.
3
other provinces opposed the domination of Castile and made a rebellion against Philip. He
crushed the revolts, but the discontents continued7.
Religious policy
Philips had the ambition to create Catholicism as a dominant religion inside and outside of Spain.
He converted religious minorities in Spain in to Christianity i.e. the Muslims and the Jews in to
Catholic. He also tried to expand Catholicism in to the Netherlands, but he was unsuccessful.
The Dutch Protestants rebelled against him. In 1581 the Ditches became independent; Philip was
also involved in the Crusades. He defeated the Ottoman Turks in 1571 at Lepanto8.
Spain met opposition from England. Philip initially helped Queen Elizabeth I of England. But
when Elizabeth helped Dutch, Philip began to oppose her 9. From 1550 to 1650 was the golden
age for Spain’s culture.10
In 1586 Philip planed to invade England. In May 1588, a force of 130 ships and
33,000 men known as the Spanish Armanda, sailed for the English coast. (An
Armanda is a fleet of warships organized to carry out a mission). Two months later
the Armanda entered the English Channel in crescent formation. The English faster,
more maneuver able ships and longer range cannons than did the Spaniards. Yet they
were at first to back the Spanish formation. English fire ships, however, were able to
separate the Spanish vessels. Running out of and short of water the Spanish fleet
retreated to the stormy North Sea. After circling the northern tip of Great Britain a
number of Spanish ships later sank near the rocky coasts of Scotland and Ireland. 11
The Fall of The Spanish Hapsburgs
After the defeat of the Armanda; Philip’s plan to invade England was failed. This was also the
beginning of span’s decline as a Sea power. Repeated costly wars weakened Spain and led to
inflation. Its industry and agriculture also failed. Philip’s successors were corrupted and

7 Marvin Perry, Western Civilization: A Brief History (Boston: Houghton Mifflin

company, 2005), P. 250.
8 Ibid.
9 Ibid.
10 Mounir A. Farah and Andréa B. Karl, World History: The Modern Era (New York:
Mc Graw Hill, 1999), PP. 260-264.
11 Ibid.
4
incompetent. Charles I was the last Hapsburg king in 1665 to rule Spain, who had not there to
take throne12.

1.1.2. The Emergence of Absolutism in England

Like that of Spain, in England, a strong Monarchy was developed. Tudor dynasty (1485-1603)
brought about unity and strength after a period of crisis, decline, and disorder. The kings of
Tudor dynasty were hard workers, abled and popular. The kings of the Tudor dynasty were not
as absolute as other European rulers. Rather some democratic institutions like the parliament and
courts of law were existed in England13.
The Early Tudor Dynasty Rulers
Henry VII
The first ruler of the Tudor dynasty was Henry VII who came to power in 1485 after the wars of
the Roses. His advisors were come from the gentry and merchants. Henry tried to rebuild
England’s commercial prosperity. He gave support to expand foreign trade by exporting
processed woolens to the Netherlands, Germany and Venice. He followed a peaceful relation
with his neighbors by arranging marriages14.
Henry VIII
Henry VIII was the second ruler of the Tudor dynasty. He was the son of Henry VII and the
strongest ruler from Tudor dynasty rulers. Unlike his father, Henry VIII fought war in Europe to
make England a powerful naval power. He was against the Catholic Church15.
Edward VI and Mary I
In 1547 Henry VIII was died. Then a period of instability came in England. Edward VI (son and
successor of Henry VIII) was a nine years old child when he came to power. In 1553 he was
died, after his death Protestant nobles opposed Mary (Edward’s Catholic half sister) to be Queen
of England. But she got support from the mass of the English people, and took the throne16.

12 .Marvin Perry,P.250
13 Mounir A. Farah and Andréa B. Karl, PP. 260-264.
14 Ibid.
15 Ibid.
16 Ibid.
5
But later Mary’s catholic polices were disliked by the English people. Although there was
opposition from the people she married Philip II of Spain in 1554. Then she restored Catholicism
and around 3000 Protestants were burned. By the help of Philip II of Spain she fought war with
France. At the end of the war, England lost Calais. Many of the English people feared Spanish
control of England. But Mary died childless and her protestant half sister, Elizabeth took the
throne17.
Elizabeth I
In 1558 Elizabeth I took the throne and became Queen of England after the death of her sister
Mary I. She was well educated and had a strong personality 18. During the reign of Elizabeth there
was a great cultural achievement in England. She was praised by the works of poets and writers.
William Shakespeare wrote theaters; and the English language became a commonly used
language during this time19. Elizabeth remained unmarried to secure her political power20.
Elizabeth was advised by the council of nobles and the parliament. Justices which were unpaid
respected community members were responsible in enforcing the laws. Most of the members of
justices were the rural land owners. They were well aware about the law and the local
conditions21.
Elizabeth believed in the existence of social classes. Accordingly members of the first class were
the queen and her court. The second groups of social classes were the nobles, the gentry,
merchants, layers and the clergy. The last or lowest social class included farmers and laborers 22.
Elizabeth faced financial problems in her last stage of reign 23. She could not able to continue her
territorial possessions in Europe. France became the most challenging state for England. To
defend England from France, Elizabeth like her predecessors tried to build a strong navy in
England. The greatest naval threats to England were Spain and France. Especially, after the

17 Mounir A. Farah and Andréa B. Karl, PP. 260-264.

18 Ibid.
19 R.R. Palmer and Joel Colton, A History of the Modern World (New work: Mc Graw
Hill, 1995),
PP. 219-220.
20 Ibid.
21 Ibid.
22 Ibid.
23 Ibid.
6
attack of the Spanish Armanda, England realized the dangers of alliance between Spain and
France24.
As a result England followed diplomacy and Sea power to protect her interests. England adopted
the policy of balance of powers among states. If one nation becomes more powerful than the
other; England can re-establish the balance by supporting the second nation 25. In the 1560s,
Scotland was allied with England, and in the 1590s, England carried out military campaigns
against Ireland. Then Scotland and Ireland allied with England temporarily. In 1603 Elizabeth
died at the age of sixty nine. After her death, the Tudor dynasty came to an end and James I from
Scotland came to power and he founded the Stuart dynasty. After this, Scotland was untied with
England26.
James was not skillful politically like that of Elizabeth. He began to rule by divine rights theories
without consulting the parliament. Because of this he was in a constant conflict with parliament.
His son and successor Charles I (1625-1649) was also in a constant conflict with the parliament.
The centers of conflict between the monarchy and the parliament were: taxation and religious
issues. By the parliament’s pressure, Charles I signed the Petition of Rights in 1628 when he
called the parliament to raise funds, because of his financial problem that occurred in the
country27.
In addition to the heavy taxations; there was also religious domination by the monarchies. From
1628-1640, Charles I did not called the parliament. But in 1640 he called the parliament but there
was not agreement between Charles I and the parliament. Then a period of civil war continued.
In 1689 the parliament became victorious and the Bill of Rights was signed which became the
basis for other revolutions in Europe and the rest of the world 28. They also became a pillar for
modern democracy now a day.

24 Ibid.
25 R.R. Palmer and Joel Colton, PP. 219-220.
26 Marvin Perry, Western Civilization: A Brief History(Boston : Houghton Mifflin
Company,
2005), PP. 387-389.
27 Ibid.
28 Ibid.
7
1.1.3. The Emergence of Absolutism in France
When Louis XIV came to power in 1643 at the age of four but real powers was under the control
of Cardinal Mazarin who was a chief minster during that time. Mazarin crushed the revolts that
were made by dissatisfied nobles with the monarchy. Because of this the people concluded that
the hope for stability was in the hands of Louis 29.Louis XIV came to power after the defeat of
Louis XIII in 1643. He can be taken as the best example of an Absolute Monarch during the 17 th
C. During the reign of Louis the French culture, language, and manners of life were spreaded to
all of European society. And there was French domination in European politics and diplomacy30.
In 1661 Mazarin died. After his death Louis XIV took power at the age of twenty three and
became the sole ruler of France. The greatest danger to Louis’s rule came from the nobles and
princes. To solve this problem he removed them from palace or made them busy by giving
routine tasks31.
To maintain religions harmony in France, Louis followed on anti- protestant policy. In order to
convert the Huguenots in to Catholicism he destructed their churches and schools. He also let
them to leave France. As a result 200,000 Huguenots (Protestants) exiled to England, the untied
provinces and German32.Louis was in need of money to build palaces, to maintain his court and
to conduct wars. He was assisted by Jean Baptist Colbert as controller general of finances.
Colbert, to increase the wealth and power of France followed the ideas of mercantilism 33.
According to the mercantilists, the property of a nation depended up on a large supply of
bullion, or gold and silver, for this reason nations tried to have a favorable balance of trade
in which the goods they exported were of greater value than those they imported. This
would bring in gold and silver payments to increase a country’s supply of bullion. To
exchange exports, governments stimulated and protected export industries and trade. They
granted subsidies to new industries and improved transportation systems by building roads,
bridges and canals. By placing high tariffs on foreign goods, they could be kept out of the
country; colonies were considered important as sources of raw materials and markets for

29 Jackson J. Spielvogel, P. 467.

30 Ibid.
31 Ibid.
32 Ibid, 468.
33 Ibid, 470.
8
 finished goods. Mercantilists believed that the state should play an active role in a nation’s
economic affairs34.
Louis was able to build a strong army. He was able to build a standing army numbering 400,000
soldiers in times of war. He made war his constant activity in his reign to glorify France in
Europe. Because of his plan many European nations roused against him. In 1775 he was died and
his grandson became king35.

1.2. The Emergence of Absolute Monarchies in Central and

Eastern Europe
th
In the 17 C, the three new greatest European powers like: Prussian, Austria and Russia were
emerged. The Peace of Westphalia ended the thirty years war in 1648 by making more than 300
states members of the Holy Roman Empire, among these states Prussia and Austria were
emerged as great powers of the world36.

2.2.1. Prussia
Prussia was founded by Frederick William the great elector as a major power of the world, which
has a large and efficient standing army. William set up the general war commissariat to levy
taxes for the army and over the sea to its growth. The commissariat soon also began to serve the
civil government. Many of its officials were belonged to the landed aristocracy called Junkers. In
the 18th c. Prussia was emerged as a great power in Europe37.

1.2.2. Austria
After the Thirty years war the peace of Westphalia was signed. Accordingly, Austria was made
part of the Holly Roman Empire in Europe. After this, new Austrian empire was formed in the
present days of Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary. After the defeat of the Turks in 1687
Austria controlled Hungary, Transylvania, Croatia, and Slovenia38.

34 Ibid P.467.
35 Jackson J. Spielvogel, P. 471.
36 Ibid.
37 Ibid, PP.472-474.
38 Ibid.
9
The Austrian Hapsburg dynasty played a significant role in European politics as Holy Roman
Empire after its formation. However, the Austrian monarchy never became a highly centralized
state because it was made up of so many different nation states (groups). It remained a collection
of territories held together by the Archduke of Austria, King of Bohemia and King of Hungary.
Each area had its own laws and political life. Therefore, there was no a common factor that can
tie together the empire39.

1.2.3. Russia
In the 15th century a new Russian monarchical state was emerged under the leadership of
Muscovy. Ivan IV was the first ruler to take the title Tsar. Ivan expanded his territory towards
the Eastern part of Russia. He was also called as Ivan the terrible since he was ruthless 40.
After Ivan’s dynasty came to an end a period of instability followed. The instability continued
until Michael Romanov was elected as tsar by the National assembly in 1613. The Romanov
dynasty lasted until 1917. During the Romanov dynasty the Tsar had absolute power over his
peoples. The peasants were considered as serfs. People in the town were also discontented. There
was also division in the Russian Orthodox Church. Because of this upheaval a new Tsar called
Peter the great came to power in the 17th century41.
Peter planned to westernize Russia. Like most other European states, Peter tried to modernize the
Russian army and navy. To modernize the army and navy, Peter adopted the mercantilist policy.
In order to increase his revenue, Peter increase taxes specially with the peasants. Peter also had a
strict control over the Russian Orthodox Church42.
After his visit to Western Europe, he introduced; new customs, practices and manuals to the
Russian society. He forced the preparation of a book entitled as etiquette to teach Western
cultures. He forced the abolishment of long traditional beards and coats. Peter also assumed the
equality of women with men. He removed the traditional veils that women covered their faces,

39 Jackson J. Spielvogel, PP. 472-474.

40 Ibid.
41 Ibid, PP.473-474.
42 Ibid.
10
allowed females in dancing and conversation. Female were also allowed to marry by their won
will freely43.
Peter began the construction of a new city called Petersburg. Thousands of peasants were died
during the construction of St. Petersburg and it became the capital until 1917. Russia became a
great power during Peter the great but his forceful policy of westernization distrusted him by the
people44.

Impacts of Peters Revolution

Peter died in 1725, proclaiming himself as Peter the great by his life time. After his death, there
was political turmoil in Russia but the empire that he created continued after there. Peter also
avoids the isolation of Russia from international issues. Thence forward, Russia became strong
empire in Europe like that of the Prussian and Austrian monarchy45.

43 R. R. Palmer, et al, PP. 244-245.

44 R. R. Palmer, et al, PP. 244-245.
45 Ibid.
11
 II. Conclusion

Absolute Monarchy is a system of government in which the ultimate political power resides in
the hands of the monarch. Monarchs in different countries and states had different names like:
King, Sultan, Emperor and Tsar.
In the 17th century crises were emerged in Europe at different parts of the continent. As a
response to the crises that happened in the 17 th century absolute monarchies were emerged to
bring about peace, order and stability. In such a way absolute monarchies were emerged in
Spain, France, England, Prussia (Germany), Austrian and Russia.

12
 III. Bibliography

Frah, Mounir and Andréa B, Karl. World History: The Human Experience. New York:
Mc Graw Hill,1994.
___________________________ . World History: The Modern Era. New York:
Mc Graw Hill, 1999.
Palmer, R. and Joel Colton. A History of the Modern World. New York: Mc Graw Hill,
1995.
Palmer, R. et al. A History of the Modern World. New York: Mc Graw Hill, 2002.
Perry, Marvin. A History of the World. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1985.
___________.Western Civilization: A Brief History. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
2005.
Spielvogel, Jackson. World History: The Human Odyssey. Pennsylvania: West Educational
Publishing Press, 1998.

13
World Book of Encylopedia: Volume 1. Chicago: World Book Inc, 2001.
World Book of Encylopedia: Volume 13. Chicago: World Book Inc, 2001.

Table of Contents
Contents Page

I. Introduction…………………………………………….……….…….……..……………….1
1. The Emergence of Absolute Monarchies in Europe…………….…….…….………….……2
1.1. The Emergence of Absolute Monarchies in the Western Europe.….…….………………..3
1.1.1. The Emergence of Absolutism in Spain…….……………….….…….………………….3
1.1.2. The Emergence of Absolutism in England………………….….…….…………………..5
1.1.3. The Emergence of Absolutism in France………………………….….….…………….....7
1.2. The Emergence of Absolute Monarchies in the Central and Eastern Europe.………………9
1.2.1. Prussia……………………………………………………………………….…………….9
1.2.2. Austria……………………………………………………………………….………….....9
1.2.3. Russia………………………………………………………………………………….….10
II. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………....12
III. Bibliography………………………………………………………………………………....13

14
BAHIR DAR UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT

Program- MA (summer program)

Year – II
Course Title: Issues in World History To 1750

15
 A Term Paper on the Title:
The Emergence of Absolute Monarchies in Europe
Submitted To: Birtukan A. (Asst. Professor)
By Yosa Abiye
ID. No BDU 07053362PK

August 2016
Bahir Dar
Ethiopia

16