The Irresponsibility of European Monarchy

Europe in the early years was a time of great metamorphosis. As Louis XIV, Napoleon, and Elizabeth I developed and shaped the society, the essence of modern European history is created. By analyzing Louis XIV, Napoleon, and Elizabeth I, one can gain a clear view of the disadvantages of monarchy and absolutism referring to its irresponsibility, uncertainty, and collapsibility between the dispersal of rights and responsibilities. Perhaps the irresponsibility of the monarchs was the main cause of the abolition of monarchy.

Louis XIV, the representation of supreme sovereign in the 17th century, built a flourishing empire, but rather momentary one. His title, “the Sun King,” evidenced his superiority over his men and country. This most dominative monarchy in the Bourbon Dynasty’s achievement was invaluable, including the expansion of French territories, the centralization of religion, and the completion of the Versailles. Considering rights, Louis was the loyalist supporter of absolutism, a belief that he should be responsible to no one but the God, which can be found in his words: “L’État — c’ est moi” (I am the State!). No doubt, all rights were handled by him, from the highest court to the basic supply purveyance. However, did this style of centralization of authority proved worthy for the majority, or the peasants who consisted more than 80% of the population? If a thorough description was taken, it would be simple to recognize the heavy duties the lower classes burden. “…the peasants own less than half of the land and frequently starve…It is one of the ironies of French Agriculture that the peasants often grew insufficient grain to feed their own family and was force to buy bread out of their earnings.”(Ashley 75) How difficult ...

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