Absolutism vs Constutionalism
Western Civilization from 1650 to the Present
Dr. Edrene S. McKay Website: Online-History.org Phone: (479) 855-6836
ABSOLUTISM V. CONSTITUTIONALISM
TWO MODELS OF GOV’T
DECIDING FACTORS:
Revenue
Concerns
Religious
Factors
Institutional
Differences
Personalities
Social
Concerns
During the 17th century, France and England moved in two very different political directions. By the close of the century, after decades of civil and religious strife, ENGLAND had developed into a CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCH with a policy of RELIGIOUS TOLERATION. By contrast, FRANCE developed an ABSOLUTIST, CENTRALIZED FORM OF GOVERNMENT dominated by a monarchy that shared little power with any other national institutions and prohibited all religions but ROMAN CATHOLICISM.
In the second half of the 17th century, changes in military organization, weapons, and tactics sharply INCREASED THE COST OF WARFARE. Because traditional sources of revenue were inadequate to finance these growing costs – as well as the costs of government – monarchs sought new ones. Only monarchies that succeeded in building a SECURE FINANCIAL BASE that was not dependent on the support of noble estates, diets, or assemblies achieved absolute rule. The FRENCH MONARCHY SUCCEEDED in this effort after mid-century, whereas the ENGLISH MONARCHY FAILED.
In their pursuit of adequate income, ENGLISH MONARCHS of the 17th century THREATENED THE LOCAL POLITICAL INTERESTS and economic well being of the country’s nobility and others of landed and commercial wealth. These politically active groups invoked traditional English liberties. As a consequence, they effectively resisted the monarchs’ attempted intrusions throughout the country. The experience of Louis XIV, the French king, was different. During the second half of the 17th century, he would make the FRENCH NOBILITY DEPENDENT upon his goodwill and patronage. In turn, he would support their local influence and their place in a firm social
Dr. Edrene S. McKay Website: Online-History.org Phone: (479) 855-6836
ABSOLUTISM V. CONSTITUTIONALISM
TWO MODELS OF GOV’T
DECIDING FACTORS:
Revenue
Concerns
Religious
Factors
Institutional
Differences
Personalities
Social
Concerns
During the 17th century, France and England moved in two very different political directions. By the close of the century, after decades of civil and religious strife, ENGLAND had developed into a CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCH with a policy of RELIGIOUS TOLERATION. By contrast, FRANCE developed an ABSOLUTIST, CENTRALIZED FORM OF GOVERNMENT dominated by a monarchy that shared little power with any other national institutions and prohibited all religions but ROMAN CATHOLICISM.
In the second half of the 17th century, changes in military organization, weapons, and tactics sharply INCREASED THE COST OF WARFARE. Because traditional sources of revenue were inadequate to finance these growing costs – as well as the costs of government – monarchs sought new ones. Only monarchies that succeeded in building a SECURE FINANCIAL BASE that was not dependent on the support of noble estates, diets, or assemblies achieved absolute rule. The FRENCH MONARCHY SUCCEEDED in this effort after mid-century, whereas the ENGLISH MONARCHY FAILED.
In their pursuit of adequate income, ENGLISH MONARCHS of the 17th century THREATENED THE LOCAL POLITICAL INTERESTS and economic well being of the country’s nobility and others of landed and commercial wealth. These politically active groups invoked traditional English liberties. As a consequence, they effectively resisted the monarchs’ attempted intrusions throughout the country. The experience of Louis XIV, the French king, was different. During the second half of the 17th century, he would make the FRENCH NOBILITY DEPENDENT upon his goodwill and patronage. In turn, he would support their local influence and their place in a firm social