Absolutism Research Paper

During the 17th and 18th centuries, absolute monarchies were dominating in European countries. National governments became more centralized and local power and autonomy became more powerful. This rise in power of the monarchy and national government was referred to as the Age of Absolutism. These absolute monarchies began to rise as a result of the violent wars of religion during the Reformation and the increase of power among kings. With the aristocracy dominating in the 17th century, it was difficult to administer the state without directly taking power out of their hands. The basis of absolutism included aristocracy, national churches in which kings had the divine right, bureaucracy, standing armies, and fancy ceremonies. At the expense of freedom, absolutism was able to establish order. Despite this, Niccolò Machiavelli, a well-known Italian historian, philosopher, politician, and author, defended absolutism. He argued for order executed by the prince in the best interest of the people. Machiavelli was influential during a time when political conditions were unstable, prompting him to come to the conclusion that people were naturally irrational and unreliable. Absolutism eventually declined in power when the Enlightenment was introduced. The Enlightenment formed as a result of the Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution and undermined absolutism. Differing from the Age of Absolutism, people were regarded as rational and logical beings during this “Age of Reason.” As a result of the Enlightenment, two important philosophers emerged: John Locke and Karl Marx. John Locke, a political scientist and philosopher, was regarded as the founder of the Enlightenment. He advocated ideas of human rights and equality and challen...

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...ational whereas the Age of Absolutism influenced Machiavelli to believe that humans are irrational and selfish. Although both conceptions of human nature can be supported, the ideas of the Enlightenment seem to be more prevailing in society today. Similar to the democracy of the Enlightenment, the United States is a democratic nation in which the human rights and freedoms of the people are guaranteed in the Constitution. Similar to the differences between Locke and Marx, there is Conservative and Liberalist ideas among political parties as well. Secularism spread across European states during the Enlightenment as well, which is still prominent today in the separation of church and state. Although Machiavelli, Locke, and Marx’s books and theories were published between the 16th and 17th century, their economic and political ideas are still practiced and seen today.